Point Group D3d: Cyclohexane Chair

Build cyclohexane in its chair conformation with the Indigo® 68821W point group molecular model kit to show D_3d inversion symmetry & staggered ring geometry for conformational analysis.

The Indigo® 68821W model of cyclohexane's chair conformation is a definitive example of the D_3d point group & shows all its symmetry elements. This includes the identity operation E and the principal C₃ axis that passes vertically through the center of the ring. It also shows the three C₂ axes perpendicular to the principal axis that go through opposite carbons. There are three dihedral mirror planes σ_d that bisect opposite C-C bonds as well as the improper rotation axis S₆ and a center of inversion i. Other D_3d molecules include triethylamine in its symmetric conformation, and staggered 1,2-dimethoxyethane.