Discovery of Stable Single Electron Covalent Bonds Between Carbon Atoms
It has been a groundbreaking discovery that has confirmed a long-standing theory about single electron covalent bonds between carbon atoms, a concept that was first proposed by Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling in 1931. Covalent bond is one in which the nucleus of one of the atoms shares an electron orbital with the nucleus of another atom. Nonmetals are the main atoms involved in a covalent bond. With the exception of hydrogen, carbon forms these bonds almost exclusively. While electrons ironize and become one with the above outlined atomic structure. servant Pauling suggested that bonds that are formed with a single unpaired electron could exist, though they would be weaker than typical bonds.
For one, the notion of single-electron bonds has been observed and researched in many various contexts. However, researchers so far were not able to recognize this kind of bond with carbon or hydrogen. And now, researchers from a team at Hokkaido University have been able to produce an isolated compound including a stable single-electron sigma bond between two carbon atoms. The paper, which has been published in Nature, adds to the understanding of chemical bonding.
Professor Ishigaki of Hokkaido University explained the process of the discovery`s importance in the progress of chemical bonding theories and enriching the level of our understanding of chemical reactions. The reaction was achieved by treating a derivative of hexaphenylethane, which had a very elongated pair-electron bond, with iodine. In this way, dark violet crystals of an iodine salt were obtained.
By using X-ray diffraction, the researchers were able to establish that the carbon atoms in the crystals were very close to each other. This implies the existence of the single-electron bond between them. Besides this report, Raman spectroscopic analysis was also conducted for further proof of the fact.
Zakira, the first author of a paper devoted to this study and currently related to the University of Tokyo, at that time, noticed that the report carries the first-time proof on the issue of carbon-carbon single-electron covalent bond as well as on the possibility for further research in this not yet very detailed area of Chemistry.
Conclusion
Exciting breakthrough in carbon chemistry! Hokkaido University researchers have confirmed the existence of stable single-electron covalent bonds between carbon atoms.
For more Blogs visit our Blog Page of KHULKBOL
