Bond symmetry gauge for three-centre four-electron bonds

Symmetry of Three-Center, Four-Electron Bond

Source: Mate Erdelyi/Uppsala University

Numerical index correlates symmetry to ionic size and electron affinity of central cation

Researchers in Norway and Sweden have rated the symmetry in a variety of three-centre four-electron bonds and used the data to develop a numerical index that predicts if other instances of this important bonding motif will be symmetric.