Point Group Oh: Cubane

Show the O_h point group with cubane, C₈H₈, using the Indigo® 68821W point group molecular model kit. This illustrates cubic molecular geometry and angle strain in a highly symmetric organic molecule. Ideal for symmetry, synthetic organic chemistry, and advanced inorganic chemistry courses.

The Indigo® 68821W model of cubane (C₈H₈₎ is an example of the O_h point group in an organic molecule. It shows symmetry elements: identity operation E; three mutually perpendicular C₄ axes through two opposite face centers; four C₃ axes through opposite vertices. It also shows six C₂ axes through opposite edge midpoints, three mirror planes σ_h containing one face of the cube, six additional mirror planes σ_d, the improper rotation axes S₄ and S₆ and a center of inversion i. Cubane shares its full set of 48 symmetry operations with SF₆, making it one of very few purely organic molecules to achieve the highest molecular point group symmetry. Other cubic O_h molecules include octasilacubane Si₈(SitBu₃)₈ and cubane derivatives such as nitrocubane and cubanedicarboxylic acid.