Chapter 13, Problem 13.32E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The point groups of the given series of chloromethanes, ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{Cl, CH}}_{\text{2}}{\text{Cl}}_{\text{2}},{\text{CHCl}}_{\text{3}}$ and ${\text{CCl}}_{\text{4}}$ are to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Group theory is the area of mathematics, which deals with symmetry and point groups.

A group is a collection of operations that satisfies certain mathematical characteristics.

In a molecule, the collection of symmetry elements forms a point group. All molecules possess structure that belongs to one of the recognised point groups.