Linear sp Carbon Allotropes

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the linear sp carbon of Lagow's proposed length and structure is contradicted by the unlikelihood of such a stable, long chain allotrope, granting more validity to Hirsch's argument against the existence of Lagow's carbon allotrope. The author points out that controversy arises because, while they do not directly fit the definition of allotropes, non-molecular allotropes like diamond and graphite will terminate with other elements (so no longer a pure element) to become stable. The paper concludes that future scientific work in this area is required to determine a true carbon sp allotrope of usable stability, if one exists, but at this time, Hirsch's position remains the more plausible basis of allotropic characterization.

From the Paper:

"The IUPAC Red Book defines allotropes as "different structural modifications of [an] element," with allotropic transition considered the "transition of a pure element, at a defined temperature and pressure, from one crystal structure to another which contains the same atoms but which has different properties." This definition excludes ozone and oxygen, and does not discuss the classification of carbon allotropes, which can be examined on the basis of the hybridization of their valence orbitals. More modern definitions include the classification of tin where one allotrope is a covalently bonded solid and the other a metal, and differentiate between allotropic molecules, such as dioxygen, infinite covalent solids, like diamond, and infinite, covalently bonded layers with weak intermolecular forces, as seen with graphite. There are also materials that crystallize where the covalent bonding between the elements is unchanged, which are termed polymorphs rather than true allotropes."

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