What group might represent the symmetries of these carbon rings?

In summary, the group that represents the symmetries of carbon rings is the Dihedral group, also known as the Dn group. This group consists of rotations and reflections that preserve the molecular structure of the carbon ring. It is a mathematical concept used in the study of molecular symmetry and plays a crucial role in understanding the properties and behaviors of carbon-based compounds.
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The carbon rings in the upper-middle of this page https://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/virttxtjml/react3.htm such as corannulene or coronene possess symmetries. But, they are not the typical dihedral arrangements of points, like a single hexagon or single pentagon or single equilateral triangle.

So, what group represents the symmetries of tiles of hexagons, or tiles of triangles and so on?
 
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askmathquestions said:
The carbon rings in the upper-middle of this page https://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/virttxtjml/react3.htm such as corannulene or coronene possess symmetries. But, they are not the typical dihedral arrangements of points, like a single hexagon or single pentagon or single equilateral triangle.

So, what group represents the symmetries of tiles of hexagons, or tiles of triangles and so on?
This cannot be answered in such a generality. Every molecule has its own (not necessarily different) symmetry group. All that can be said is, that if ##n## is the number of vertices, then it is a subgroup of ##\operatorname{Sym}(n),## i.e. a finite group, which is more of a trivial fact than an answer.

This is subject to crystallography.
 
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FAQ: What group might represent the symmetries of these carbon rings?

What is the definition of a symmetry group?

A symmetry group is a mathematical concept that describes the set of all symmetries or transformations that can be applied to an object while leaving it unchanged. In other words, it is a group of operations that preserve the shape, size, and orientation of an object.

How do symmetry groups relate to carbon rings?

Carbon rings, also known as cyclic compounds, exhibit different types of symmetries depending on their structure. These symmetries can be represented by specific symmetry groups, which provide a way to classify and study the properties of carbon rings.

What are the common symmetry groups found in carbon rings?

The most common symmetry groups found in carbon rings are cyclic groups, dihedral groups, and symmetry groups associated with crystal structures. These groups have different properties and can be used to describe the symmetries of specific carbon ring structures.

How can symmetry groups be determined for a carbon ring?

The symmetry group of a carbon ring can be determined by analyzing its structure and identifying the symmetries that are present. This can be done using mathematical techniques such as group theory, which allows for the classification and analysis of symmetries in molecules.

What is the significance of understanding the symmetry groups of carbon rings?

Understanding the symmetry groups of carbon rings is important for several reasons. It allows for the prediction of physical and chemical properties of these compounds, aids in the identification and characterization of new molecules, and provides insights into the behavior and reactivity of carbon rings in different environments.

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