In
chemistry
Chemistry is the science, scientific study of the properties and behavior of matter. It is a natural science that covers the Chemical element, elements that make up matter to the chemical compound, compounds made of atoms, molecules and ions ...
, the dodecahedral molecular geometry describes the shape of compounds where eight atoms or groups of atoms or ligands are arranged around a central atom defining the vertices of a
snub disphenoid (also known as a trigonal dodecahedron). This shape has D
2d symmetry
Symmetry (from grc, συμμετρία "agreement in dimensions, due proportion, arrangement") in everyday language refers to a sense of harmonious and beautiful proportion and balance. In mathematics, "symmetry" has a more precise definit ...
and is one of the three common shapes for octacoordinate transition metal complexes, along with the
square antiprism and the
bicapped trigonal prism.
[Wells A.F. (1984) ''Structural Inorganic Chemistry'' 5th edition Oxford Science Publications ]
One example of the dodecahedral molecular geometry is the ion.
References
Stereochemistry
Molecular geometry
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