ABSTRACT
One of the most controversial research topics in modern carbon science concerns the thermodynamically stable existence of an sp-hybridized linear carbon chain allotrope called carbyne [1]. Acceptance by the scientific community of this alleged carbon allotrope as the ‘‘third form of carbon’’ would be much easier if single crystals of carbyne existed which were large enough to permit determination of their crystal structure by x-ray
diffraction and synchrotron radiation, respectively, and vibrational spectroscopic techniques including infrared and Raman scattering. This study was undertaken in an attempt to satisfy the demand for such ‘‘larger’’ carbyne single crystals. Successful growth of carbyne crystals would move the different structural models proposed for carbyne from inspired speculations to undeniable reality.
