How does the partition function calculation for asymmetric molecular species, slightly-asymmetric or otherwise, differ from that of symmetric species? Would you have to consider the proximity of the species to either an oblate- or prolate-symmetric species before you can understand the formulation of its partition function. I hope I have been clear.
An asymmetry, as opposed to a symmetry. In a symmetry, two or all of the 3-dimensional angular momenta can be identical, in the former we have a prolate symmetric or oblate symmetric top and the latter gives a spherical top. The asymmetric species has three unique angular momenta, and is thus, asymmetric.
For a symmetric top molecule (first and second pic.) and for asymmetric rotor (third pic):
Many thanks Péter! I already had the symmetric partition function, my first answer was just to clarify my original question for F. Leyvraz.
I found a similar equation that you display as your bottom panel today for the asymmetric partition function.
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