Spherical top

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-011188",
  "term": "Spherical top",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A nonlinear molecule possessing three equal principal moments of inertia, meaning its rotational properties are the same about any axis passing through its center of mass. Due to this high degree of symmetry, these molecules do not have a permanent dipole moment and are therefore inactive in microwave spectroscopy. Methane (CH4) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) are examples of spherical top molecules.",
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2021, 93, 647. 'Glossary of methods and terms used in analytical spectroscopy (IUPAC Recommendations 2019)' on page 763 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2019-0203)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/spherical-top/"
}