Axial/equatorial

[Chloe Shamtob 2H]

What is the difference between axial and equatorial atoms in a 3-d structure? One of the sapling problems asked to identify them and I was a little confused. Can someone help me out?

[Jayden_Yamasaki_2J]

The surrounding atoms that form a linear arrangement with the central atom are the axial atoms (typically at the top and bottom of the structure) and the equatorial atoms are the other surrounding atoms that are usually horizontally placed around the central atom.

[Melis Kasaba 2B]

I believe it depends on bond angle. Bonds with angles of around 90° to the plane are called axial and bonds that only form a small angle compared to the plane are equatorial.

[Bethany Yang 2E]

How would you be able to tell which is the axial vs which is the equatorial if you are able to rotate it?

[Akash J 1J]

You would label axial atoms as the ones that are about perpendicular to the atoms that form a ring around the central atoms. You will usually be able to tell which ones are forming a ring (especially in the trigonal bipyramidal structure). Equatorial atoms are the ones forming a ring around the central atom.