Spectroscopic Identification of C_2P and C_2As, Two New Main Group Dicarbides

摘要

Of the 44 possible main group dicarbides, only eight (C_2X, X = H, B, C, N, O, Si, S, and Cl) have been spectroscopically characterized. While the CCN radical has been studied extensively, the isovalent CCP species was hitherto unknown although it had been predicted to be a likely interstellar molecule. A literature search did not reveal any experimental information or theoretical predictions for the CCAs radical. Solid-state phosphorus and arsenic carbides are of current interest because of their potential to form very durable films and crystals with interesting electrical properties. We have been engaged in spectroscopic studies of gas-phase main group reactive intermediates for some time, and in this communication, we report the discovery of two new dicarbide free radicals, CCP and CCAs.