Excited state potential energy curves reignite diatomic carbon’s bond order conundrum
Molecular orbital theory-based approach backs quadruple bond
A new theoretical study by scientists in India claims to provide overwhelming evidence that the simplest carbon compound, diatomic carbon (C2), has a quadruple bond. The researchers propose that their findings could be experimentally verified. Unsurprisingly for such a contentious field, some experts in the field remain unconvinced.