chemistry Chemistry is the scientific study of the properties and behavior of matter. It is a physical science within the natural sciences that studies the chemical elements that make up matter and chemical compound, compounds made of atoms, molecules a ...

, 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 In geometry, the snub disphenoid is a convex polyhedron with 12 equilateral triangles as its face (geometry), faces. It is an example of deltahedron and Johnson solid. It can be constructed in different approaches. This shape is also called Siame ...

(also known as a trigonal dodecahedron). This shape has D_2d

symmetry Symmetry () in everyday life refers to a sense of harmonious and beautiful proportion and balance. In mathematics, the term has a more precise definition and is usually used to refer to an object that is Invariant (mathematics), invariant und ...

and is one of the three common shapes for octacoordinate transition metal complexes, along with the

square antiprism In geometry, the square antiprism is the second in an infinite family of antiprisms formed by an even number, even-numbered sequence of triangle sides closed by two polygon caps. It is also known as an ''anticube''. If all its faces are regular ...

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 {{molecular-geometry-stub