Group Theory for Chemists, 2nd Edition

5

The Vibrational Spectrum of Xe(O)F₄

This chapter brings together the ideas of Chapter 3 and 4 and summarises the methodology for completely analysing and assigning a vibrational spectrum. We will begin with a more detailed look at the way symmetry labels for stretching and bending modes are determined, followed by a worked example for the vibrational spectrum of Xe(O)F₄. Finally, some comments on the limitations of using group theory to analyse vibrational spectra will be made and the alternative approach, using group frequencies, discussed.

5.1 STRETCHING AND BENDING MODES

In Chapter 3 you saw how to use single- and double-headed arrows to identify the stretching and bending modes for a simple molecule like SO₂. We will now apply the same ...