Abstract
A theory of the distortion‐induced non‐zero value of the depolarization ratio [ρ⟂(π/2)] of the totally symmetric vibrational mode of a tetrahedral (Td) molecule in the liquid state is formulated. As an example, the depolarization ratio of the ν1 mode of the CCl4 (Td) molecule in the liquid state is discussed. It is concluded that the non‐zero value of the depolarization ratio of the totally symmetric ν1 mode of CCl4 arises from the distortion of the C1 symmetry of the structure of the molecular unit in the liquid state.