Question:
Point group of naphthalene (C10H8) is
Point group of naphthalene (C10H8) is
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Aromatic planar molecules like benzene belong to \(D_{6h}\).
Naphthalene, due to reduced symmetry compared to benzene, falls under \(D_{2h}\).
Always check for: principal axis, perpendicular axes, inversion center, and mirror planes.
Updated On: Aug 28, 2025
- \(D_{2d}\)
- \(D_{2h}\)
- \(D_{3d}\)
- \(D_{3h}\)
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of two fused benzene rings. Its structure is planar and symmetric.
Step 2: To determine its point group, we analyze symmetry elements:
It has a principal \(C_2\) axis along the long axis of the molecule.
Two additional \(C_2\) axes are present perpendicular to the principal axis (orthogonal directions).
It possesses a horizontal mirror plane (\(\sigma_h\)) due to its planarity.
It also has inversion symmetry (\(i\)).
Step 3: The presence of three mutually perpendicular \(C_2\) axes and inversion center (\(i\)) characterizes the \(D_{2h}\) point group.
Therefore, the point group of naphthalene is \(D_{2h}\).
Step 2: To determine its point group, we analyze symmetry elements:
It has a principal \(C_2\) axis along the long axis of the molecule.
Two additional \(C_2\) axes are present perpendicular to the principal axis (orthogonal directions).
It possesses a horizontal mirror plane (\(\sigma_h\)) due to its planarity.
It also has inversion symmetry (\(i\)).
Step 3: The presence of three mutually perpendicular \(C_2\) axes and inversion center (\(i\)) characterizes the \(D_{2h}\) point group.
Therefore, the point group of naphthalene is \(D_{2h}\).
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