Scientists detonate chemistry with world’s first boron-carbon triple bond in history – Interesting Engineering

The brand new molecule is an orange solid at room temperature.2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago3 days ago3 days ago3 days ago3 days ago2 hours ago5 hours ago7 hours ago8 hours ago9 hours ago10 hours ago11 hours ago11 hours ago12 hours ago12 hours agoGeorgina JedikovskaBoron, a chemical element from the periodic table, symbolized as B with atomic number 5.Just_Super/iStockBoron (B), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) are elements with atomic numbers 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively, occupying consecutive positions in the periodic table.As a metalloid, boron stands apart from carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, which are nonmetals. Yet because of their similar electronic properties, all four elements share a remarkable ability to form strong chemical bonds, including triple bonds.These bonds are essential in forming fundamental molecular structures, such as carbon monoxide (CO), which is a toxic, flammable gas slightly less dense than air, as well as atmospheric nitrogen (N₂), which comprises about 78% of Earth’s atmosphere.Still, one bond – a triple bond between boron and carbon – remained elusive, despite the existence of stable double bonds and triple bonds between two boron or two carbon atoms.Now chemists at the Julius Maximilian University of Wuerzburg, in Germany’s state of Bavaria, appear to have solved the puzzle after a team led by Holger Braunschweig, PhD, head and chair of Inorganic Chemistry at the university, successfully synthesized, for the first time, a molecule featuring a boron-carbon triple bond.The newly synthesized molecule, known as boryne, exists as an orange solid at room temperature. Researchers not only identified its structural properties but also conducted detailed studies on its reactivity, aiming to better understand its chemical behavior and potential applications.“In combination with the triple bond, this is about as uncomfortable as it gets for boron, requiring very special conditions,” Rian Dewhurst, PhD, a senior scientist at the University of Wuerzburg’s Institute for Inorganic Chemistry, and co-author of the study, explains. Dewhurst explains that in this newly synthesized molecule, the boron atom is arranged linearly with carbon atoms. He emphasizes that the need for special conditions is the main reason it has taken so long to successfully synthesize this triple bond for the first time.The chemists reveal that they are now particularly interested in the new molecule’s reactivity and how its unique bonding structure influences its chemical behavior. They note that breakthroughs often arise unexpectedly, citing Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene), discovered during research on new refrigerants, and superglue, which emerged accidentally while developing transparent plastics.“Compounds in which individual atoms feel ‘uncomfortable’ often show a very interesting reactivity,” Maximilian Michel, a PhD student at the University of Wuerzburg and the individual behind the creation of the molecule, says. The team believes the breakthrough could lead to innovative tools for chemical synthesis while also providing deeper insights into the nature of chemical bonds and molecular structures. They hope their research will inspire other scientists to explore new possibilities in chemical synthesis. “Another benefit that is often overlooked: Basic research like ours inspires other researchers to put their efforts and imagination into synthesizing compounds that might seem improbable,” Dewhurst concludes in a press release. “World-changing advances often emerge from these kinds of crazy ideas.” The experimental study has been published in the journal Nature Synthesis.Georgina Jedikovska Georgina Jedikovska, journalist, plant engineer, oenophile and foodie. Based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Holds an MSc. degree in Horticultural Engineering, with a specialization in viticulture and oenology. Loves travelling, exploring new cultures, a good read, great food and flavorful wines. Enjoys writing about archaeology, history, and environmental sciences.Stay up-to-date on engineering, tech, space, and science news with The Blueprint.By clicking sign up, you confirm that you accept this site’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy14 hours ago15 hours ago17 hours ago17 hours agoPremiumIE PROFollow

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/boron-and-carbon-linked-through-a-triple-bond