SYMMETRY ARGUMENTS IN CHEMISTRY

The use (and misuse) of symmetry arguments in constructing molecular m odels and in the interpretation of experimental observations bearing o n molecular structure (spectroscopy, diffraction, etc.) is discussed. Examples include the development of point groups and space groups for describing the external and internal symmetry of crystals, the derivat ion of molecular symmetry by counting isomers (the benzene structure), molecular chirality, the connection between macroscopic and molecular chirality, pseudorotation, the symmetry group of nonrigid molecules, and the use of orbital symmetry arguments in discussing aspects of che mical reactivity.