Pseudorotation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009642",
  "term": "Pseudorotation",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A conformational change in a molecule where the atoms appear to rotate around a central atom, leading to an interconversion of apical and equatorial positions without breaking any bonds. This process is common in five-coordinate compounds, such as phosphorus pentafluoride (PF5). The Berry pseudorotation mechanism is a well-known example.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "central atom",
    "equatorial",
    "apical",
    "intramolecular",
    "isomerization",
    "phosphanes",
    "polytopal rearrangement",
    "superposability"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 2193. 'Basic terminology of stereochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2215 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122193)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/pseudorotation/"
}