Square antiprismatic molecular geometry

In chemistry, the square antiprismatic molecular geometry describes the shape of compounds where eight atoms, groups of atoms, or ligands are arranged around a central atom, defining the vertices of a square antiprism.[1] This shape has D_4d symmetry and is one of the three common shapes for octacoordinate transition metal complexes, along with the dodecahedron and the bicapped trigonal prism.[2][3]

Square antiprismatic molecular geometry
Examples	XeF2− 8, ReF− 8
Point group	D4d
Coordination number	8
μ (Polarity)	0

Like with other high coordination numbers, eight-coordinate compounds are often distorted from idealized geometries, as illustrated by the structure of Na₃TaF₈. In this case, with the small Na⁺ ions, lattice forces are strong. With the diatomic cation NO⁺, the lattice forces are weaker, such as in (NO)₂XeF₈, which crystallizes with a more idealized square antiprismatic geometry.

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  The distorted square antiprismatic [TaF₈]³⁻ anion in the Na₃TaF₈ lattice.[4]
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  The square antiprismatic [XeF₈]²⁻ anion in the lattice of nitrosonium octafluoroxenate(VI), (NO)₂XeF₈.[5]
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  Structure of the B_i8²⁺ cluster in the [Bi₈](GaCl₄)₂.