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The world’s smallest and tightest knot was recently created by chance by Canadian and Chinese scientists. They obtained the gold molecule by collecting it from only 54 atoms
The world’s smallest and tightest knot was recently created by chance by Canadian and Chinese scientists. They obtained the gold molecule by collecting it from only 54 atoms and took the first step into the Guinness Book of Records.
Molecular knots are not connected in the usual sense of the word. Chemists create a structure and then synthesize a molecule accordingly; If they are successful, the atoms combine themselves in the required order and into specific types of compounds. The simplest knot is shaped like a three-leaf clover, with only three intersections with no free ends.
Before this experiment, the smallest metal clover knot formed by self-assembly consisted of 69 atoms. At the same time, it is still unclear how small such a node can be in general – it is believed that at least 50 atoms are required for this.
Like many other scientific discoveries, This discovery was a happy accident. Chemist Richard Paddefatt explained how this unexpected event happened. He and his colleagues were working on a completely different task in the laboratory.
The team managed to synthesize a clover with 54 atoms in its main chain instead of a gold chain (catenane). The knot was obtained by self-assembly of gold acetylide units and a diphosphine ligand. In fact, there are only six gold atoms in the knot, the rest are auxiliary substances that provide the possibility of “bonding”.
Single crystal X-ray diffraction characterization provides compelling evidence that Au6 is both the smallest and hardest molecular assembly known today.
– inform the authors about the results of the study.
This diagram shows the assembly process of the node and the final result / Photo: Zhiwen Li
At the same time, scientists note that the resulting molecule is less stable than the usual Au2 with two gold atoms. Particularly because of this instability, it was very difficult to obtain a node: in fact, it was a matter of luck for a successful venture to succeed.
Understanding how new assemblies form could help scientists create better plastics and polymers and better understand our own biology.
Source: 24 Tv
I’m Maurice Knox, a professional news writer with a focus on science. I work for Div Bracket. My articles cover everything from the latest scientific breakthroughs to advances in technology and medicine. I have a passion for understanding the world around us and helping people stay informed about important developments in science and beyond.
