Factor groups, semidirect product and quantum chemistry

Abstract

In this paper we prove some general theorems about representations of finite groups arising from the inner semidirect product of groups. We show how these results can be used for standard applications of group theory in quantum chemistry through the orthogonality relations for the characters of irreducible representations. In this context, conditions for transitions between energy levels, projection operators and basis functions were determined. This approach applies to composite systems and it is illustrated by the dihedral group related to glycolate oxidase enzyme.