Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Accessing Valuable Ligand Supports for Transition Metals: A Modified, Intermediate Scale Preparation of 1,2,3,4,5-Pentamethylcyclopentadiene
Published on: March 20, 2017
Planar pentacoordinate carbons in CBe5(4-) derivatives
Rafael Grande-Aztatzi1, José Luis Cabellos, Rafael Islas
1Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Mérida, Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, A.P. 73, Cordemex, Mérida 97310, Yucatán, México. gmerino@mda.cinvestav.mx.
Researchers explored CBe5Lin(n-4) clusters, finding stable planar pentacoordinate carbon (ppC) structures. These delocalized clusters, stabilized by multicenter bonds, are promising candidates for experimental synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Computational Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Inorganic Chemistry
Background:
- Exploring novel carbon structures is key to advancing materials science.
- Planar pentacoordinate carbon (ppC) motifs are theoretically predicted but experimentally challenging.
- Understanding bonding in hypervalent carbon systems is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the potential energy surfaces of CBe5Lin(n-4) clusters.
- To identify stable structures and bonding characteristics of these novel clusters.
- To assess the feasibility of experimental preparation for ppC-containing species.
Main Methods:
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were employed.
- Systematic exploration of potential energy surfaces.
- Induced magnetic field analysis was used to probe electronic delocalization.
Main Results:
- Global minimum energy structures feature a planar pentacoordinate carbon (ppC) atom.
- Lithium cations stabilize the CBe5(4-) pentagonal core.
- Systems exhibit multicenter σ-bonds with charge transfer from carbon.
- Electronic structure calculations indicate full delocalization within the clusters.
Conclusions:
- The studied CBe5Lin(n-4) clusters possess stable, low-energy ppC structures.
- These findings suggest that ppC-containing clusters can be synthesized experimentally.
- The unique bonding and delocalization offer potential for new material properties.
Related Concept Videos
Radicals: Electronic Structure and Geometry
Accordingly, the structure of a trivalent radical lies between the geometries of carbocations and carbanions. An sp2-hybridized carbocation is trigonal planar, while an sp3-hybridized carbanion is trigonal pyramidal. Here, the difference in geometry is...
Conformations of Cyclohexane
The chair form is the most stable and derives its name from its resemblance to the “easy chair.” In the chair conformation, two carbon atoms are arranged out-of-plane — one above and one below, minimizing the torsional strain. In the chair form, the bond angle is very close to the ideal...
π Molecular Orbitals of 1,3-Butadiene
The simplest conjugated diene is 1,3-butadiene: a four-carbon system where each carbon is sp2-hybridized and has an unhybridized p orbital that contains an unpaired electron. According to molecular orbital theory, atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals such that the...
Chair Conformation of Cyclohexane
The hydrogen atoms linked to carbons are arranged in two different axial and equatorial orientations to achieve this...
Aromatic Hydrocarbon Cations: Structural Overview
Removing one hydrogen from the intervening CH2 group...
Aromatic Hydrocarbon Anions: Structural Overview
Due to the absence of continuous...

