Synthesis of Linear Acetylenic Carbon: The "sp" Carbon Allotrope

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 267; no. 5196; pp. 362 - 367
• Main Authors: Lagow, Richard J., Kampa, Joel J., Wei, Han-Chao, Battle, Scott L., Genge, John W., Laude, David A., Harper, Carla J., Bau, Robert, Stevens, Raymond C., Haw, James F., Munson, Eric
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Society for the Advancement of Science 20-01-1995; American Association for the Advancement of Science; The American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Subjects: Aliphatic compounds; Atoms; Carbon; Carbon allotropes; Carbon compounds; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Fullerenes; Graphite; Lasers; Mass spectra; Molecular chains; Molecular weight; Organic chemistry; Preparations and properties; Solvents; Acetylenic compound; Polyynic compound; Carbon Molecules; Fullerenes; Atomic cluster; Mass spectrum; X ray diffraction; Crystalline structure
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.267.5196.362

A carbon allotrope based on "sp" hybridization containing alternating triple and single bonds (an acetylenic or linear carbon allotrope) has been prepared. Studies of small (8 to 28 carbon atoms) acetylenic carbon model compounds show that such species are quite stable (130° to 140°C) provided that nonreactive terminal groups or end caps (such as tert-butyl or trifluoromethyl) are present to stabilize these molecules against further reactions. In the presence of end capping groups, laser-based synthetic techniques similar to those normally used to generate fullerenes, produce thermally stable acetylenic carbon species capped with trifluoromethyl or nitrile groups with chain lengths in excess of 300 carbon atoms. Under these conditions, only a negligible quantity of fullerenes is produced. Acetylenic carbon compounds are not particularly moisture or oxygen sensitive but are moderately light sensitive.