Point Group Oh: SF6

Build sulfur hexafluoride, SF₆, with the Indigo® 68821W point group molecular model kit to demonstrate O_h inversion symmetry & octahedral geometry. This kit is ideal for symmetry, group theory, and advanced inorganic chemistry courses.

The Indigo® 68821W model kit builds sulfur hexafluoride, SF₆, as an example of the O_h point group. The model identifies all the symmetry elements. This includes the identity operation E, three mutually perpendicular C₄ axes through two opposite fluorine atoms and four C₃ axes through opposite triangular faces of the octahedron. In addition, it show six C₂ axes through opposite edge midpoints, the horizontal mirror plane σ_h, and six additional mirror planes. Lastly, the model shows the improper rotation axes S₄ and S₆ and a center of inversion i. SF₆ is one of the highest symmetry molecules encountered in undergraduate chemistry with 48 symmetry operations in total. Other O_h molecules include molybdenum hexacarbonyl Mo(CO)₆, uranium hexafluoride UF₆, and the hexachloroplatinate ion PtCl₆^2-.