Details of CH4202 (Spring 2026)

Level: 4 Type: Theory Credits: 4.0

Course CodeCourse NameInstructor(s)
CH4202 Symmetry in Chemistry Debasis Koley

Syllabus
Symmetry and Group Theory (20 classes)
Introduction to group theory, Properties of a group, Subgroup and Class, Symmetry elements
and operations, Symmetry point groups, Matrix representation of groups, Operators and basis
functions,
Symmetry of Hamiltonian Operator, Unitary and Similarity transformation, Reducible and
Irreducible representations, Great Orthogonality Theorem and its consequences, Character
tables, Wavefunctions as bases for irreducible representation, Direct product and significance.
Bonding in organic and inorganic chemistry (20 Classes)
Construction of qualitative MO diagram using the concepts of SALC and Projection operator
in followings:
(i) SALC and MO diagram in homo- and hetero-nuclear diatomic molecules (H2, N2, O2,
CO, NO )
(ii) SALC and MO diagram in AHn (A=second-row atom) (BeH2, BH3, CH4, NH3, H2O,
HF), pendant atom
(iii) SALC and MO diagram in Mxn, e.g., alpha-bonding in BF3, XeF4, BrF5, pi-bonding in
CO2, SF6
(iv) SALC and MO diagram in pi-electronic systems. pi-approximation (carbonate ion,
transbutadiene, cyclobutadiene, etc.), pi-MOs of carbocyclic systems (e.g., benzene,
naphthalene); Huckel MO theory.

References
References:
1. Symmetry and Structure, by S. F. A. Kettle, JohnWiley & Sons. NY.
2. Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory, by R. L. Carter, JohnWiley & Sons. NY.
3. Molecular Symmetry, by D. J. Willock, JohnWiley & Sons. NY.
4. Chemical Applications of Group Theory, by F. A. Cotton, JohnWiley & Sons. NY.
5. Group Theory and Chemistry, by D. M. Bishop, Dover Publication. NY.
6. Symmetry and Group Theory in Chemistry, by M. Ladd, Horwood Publishing. Chichester

Course Credit Options

Sl. No.ProgrammeSemester NoCourse Choice
1 IP 2 Not Allowed
2 IP 4 Not Allowed
3 MP 2 Not Allowed
4 MP 4 Not Allowed
5 MR 2 Not Allowed
6 MR 4 Not Allowed
7 MS 10 Not Allowed
8 MS 4 Not Allowed
9 MS 6 Not Allowed
10 MS ( Chemical Sciences ) 8 Core
11 RS 1 Not Allowed
12 RS 2 Not Allowed