Jahn-Teller effect

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-006276",
  "term": "Jahn-Teller effect",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A geometric distortion of a non-linear molecule or crystal lattice that occurs when the electronic ground state is orbitally degenerate. This distortion lowers the overall symmetry of the system, removing the degeneracy and stabilizing the molecule. The effect is particularly noticeable in transition metal complexes with partially filled d-orbitals, where it influences their spectroscopic and magnetic properties.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "Renner-Teller effect",
    "avoided crossing",
    "conical intersection",
    "excited state",
    "fluxional",
    "ground state",
    "stereochemical non-rigidity",
    "surface crossing",
    "unstable"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2007, 79, 293. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006)' on page 360 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200779030293)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/jahn-teller-effect/"
}