1
$\begingroup$

I have been wondering what this reaction would lead to? The ethyne diradical can't dimerize because triple bonded cyclic structures don't form until 8 carbons. And even if it polymerizes I find no way to end it's chain. This could probably lead to the carbyne.

Is there any literature on this out there?

|improve this question
$\endgroup$
  • $\begingroup$ I'm not completely up on Kolbe mechanism, but why do you think a diradical would form? Presumably it could only form stepwise, with a mono-radical forming first. This would have to last long enough, not reacting with anything else, and be as prone to homolysis as the original non-radical carboxylate ion, to form. Not clear to me that it could. What is the Kolbe product of even a "regular" dicarboxylate like succinic acid? $\endgroup$ – Curt F. Jan 22 at 19:10
  • $\begingroup$ I think you are confused about the 8 carbon ring. While (E)-cyclooctene is stable. cyclodecyne is the smallest isolable cycloalkyne. In your query I believe your only source of carbon is the "diradical of acetylene". The polymerization would give a linear polyacetylene that would have to be extremely long to bite its own tail, if it could wind it. As to termination, the C-H bond dissociation energy of acetylene is 133 kcal/mol. The radical is very reactive and can abstract hydrogen from the walls of the vessel. $\endgroup$ – user55119 Jan 22 at 22:50

Your Answer

By clicking "Post Your Answer", you acknowledge that you have read our updated terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy, and that your continued use of the website is subject to these policies.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.