Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Preparation and Reactivity of a Triphosphenium Bromide Salt: A Convenient and Stable Source of PhosphorusI
Published on: November 22, 2016
Two positrons can form a chemical bond in (PsH)2
1Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia, Università dell'Insubria, Via Valleggio 9, I-22100 Como, Italy.
Abstract:
We show that two positrons can form a chemical bond between two otherwise repelling ions, similar to what happens to two hydrogen atoms forming a hydrogen molecule. Two positronium hydride atoms (PsH) can form the stable species (PsH)2 when the two coupled positrons have opposite spins, while they form an antibonding state if they have the same spin. This is completely analogous to the landmark description by Heitler and London [Z. Phys. 44, 455 (1927)] on the formation of a chemical bond in the hydrogen molecule coupling two electrons with opposite spins. This is the first time two positrons are shown to behave like two electrons in ordinary matter, enlarging the definition of what is a chemical bond dating back to Lewis [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 38, 762 (1916)]. We suggest a few experimental routes to form and detect such a peculiar molecule.
Related Concept Videos
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals II
Valence Bond Theory and Hybridized Orbitals
A σ bond (single bond in a Lewis structure) is a covalent bond in which the electron density is...
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I
Molecular Orbital Theory II
Valence Bond Theory
Valence Bond Theory

