Carbides to Molecules

Disubstituted carbon species, specifically carbenes (“CR2”) and their metal complexes, drive innovation across synthesis, catalysis, materials science, and medicine. In stark contrast, the corresponding carbynes (“CR”) and carbides (“C”) remain curiosity compounds or elusive entities. In fact, C1, C3 and to some extent C2 transfer generally remains a pressing challenge in the molecular sciences, while the controlled synthesis of carbon allotropes represents a millenial challenge. CARB2MOL seeks to achieve this mission by introducing sustainable solid-state materials, namely abundant ionic carbides, as resources for molecules. Solubilized, and thus molecularized, aluminium, calcium and magnesium carbides will serve as long-sought general C1, C2 and C3 building blocks, enabling the synthesis of much-desired molecular inorganic and organic compounds. Specific elusive targets with relevance for synthesis, optoelectronics, and spintronics include super-reductants, carbon(0) allotropes, cumulenes with an odd number of carbon atoms, and nanoclusters. These metal clusters will provide a pioneering entry not only to carbon transfer catalysis but also nitrogen- and phosphorus functional group transfer.While interdisciplinary CARB2MOL relies on solid-state materials, its foundation lies in molecular coordination chemistry. It integrates concepts from organic- and main-group synthesis and leverages advanced spectroscopy as well as quantum chemical predictions. CARB2MOL uncovers vast chemical space by converting affordable and sustainable base chemicals into valuable molecules for high-end applications and even opens avenues to address the alchemists’ dream: Efficient, mild and bottom-up diamond synthesis.