Chemistry

The Law of Diamond Crystallogenesis

Authors: Volodymyr Kaplunenko, Mykola Kosinov
Comments: 11 Pages.

A new electronic mechanism for diamond crystallogenesis is proposed that considers diamond synthesis at the microscale (atomic and subatomic levels) rather than in terms of the traditional macroscale conditions of high pressure and temperature (P-T). This challenges the traditional understanding of diamond formation and demonstrates for the first time that the fundamental Coulomb interaction is involved in the synthesis process. The law of diamond crystallogenesis is derived from this synthesis mechanism. This law states that the rate of diamond growth is determined by the number of electrons involved and the oxidation state of carbon. Pressure and temperature play a supporting role and serve as triggers that initiate the electronic mechanism of diamond synthesis. This law suggests that electrons act as crucial catalysts, facilitating the transition of carbon to the C-4 state, where it can form the diamond lattice through the Coulomb interaction, which is much stronger than the forces achieved by pressure. Electrons play a fundamental role in modifying the reactivity of carbon and a key role in the formation of covalent bonds. The law is mathematically expressed using fundamental constants. The discovery of the law of diamond crystallogenesis dispels the myth of millions and billions of years required for diamond formation, as well as the myth of pressure and temperature as direct factors in diamond formation. The law of diamond crystallogenesis and the electron mechanism of diamond crystallogenesis point to the reality of ultra-fast diamond synthesis at atmospheric pressure and low temperatures.
Category: Chemistry

Diamond Synthesis: Reflections and Suggestions

Authors: Hans Hermann Otto
Comments: 8 Pages.

The synthesis of diamond under ambient conditions is a dream of mankind, but there is a realistic chance for the next time of achieving the goal. The finding of a Korean researcher team that diamonds grow in a gallium-rich melt under ambient pressure but still high temperature in few minutes paws the way. The present contribution picks up the thread and makes further suggestions, based on empirical crystallographic experience. The formation of diamond under ambient pressure as well as ambient temperature is expected to be soon possible using advanced buffer layer materials such as cubic boron nitride on Si(111) substrates. Once the catalytic formation path is fully elucidated, the rapid synthesis of large octahedral crystals becomes routine. The formation of diamond under ambient conditions may be catalytically mediated by the electronic properties of Ga13 clusters in melt. It is proposed to use also gallium metal by the conventional HPHT diamonds synthesis to reduce pressure and temperature considerably as well by low-temperature substrate supported synthesis routes. Vacancies of silicon in diamond make it possible to tailor the material to quantum information processing applications.
Category: Chemistry

Molecular Tinkertoys and How to Assemble Them

Authors: Warren D. Smith
Comments: 43 Pages. Paper on internet since March 1997 now uploaded to vixra for archival purposes.

We propose a systematic method of synthesizing robust macromolecules of any desired shape with precise and total structural control. It involves assembly of 3D objects from a few fundamental and carefully designed ``molecular building blocks'' in a "treelike leaf-to-root" fashion, followed by a later "global rigidizing" reaction.

We propose three different sets of abstract primitive operations, (which the building block molecules must support) and show that each suffices for essentially universal synthetic power. We present a mathematical theory of "assembly" including apolynomial time algorithm to find an "optimal" (e.g. with maximum possible synthetic yield) "tree sliced iso-oriented" assembly of any "lattice animal." Finally, we present designs of actual molecules and chemistry to show that all of our required primitive operations should indeed be achievable compatibly. Analysis suggests that the major limit on all this will be imperfect chemical specificity.

This idea is still in its early stages and will need further investigation and development, especially by synthetic organic chemists, to create building blocks with the right properties.

This method may provide a way to achieve something similar to K.Eric Drexler's notions of "nanosystems" (popularized in several books authored or coauthored by Drexler). Although I think much of the "nanosystems" area is closer to science fiction than to science, the ideas in the present paper, especially if it is possible to "raise" them to "higher levels" of the "size hierarchy," may provide a way to realize some science fiction visions with some resemblance to Drexler's. In particular, perhaps they may eventually lead to ultrafast and/or ultrasmall computers. In the nearer term, these techniques should lead to micromold or microstencil techniques for creating extremely small structures, and the creation of small quantities of: photonic bandgap materials, highly controllable "molecular sieve" materials, and zero density solids.

Keywords:Nanosystems, dendrimers, molecular sieve, low density solids, micromolds, microstencils, photonic bandgap, molecular tinkertoys, automated synthesis.
Category: Chemistry

Benzene on the Basis of the Three-Electron Bond

Authors: Bezverkhniy Volodymyr Dmytrovych
Comments: 1 Page. (Note by viXra Admin: Please cite and list scientific references!)

Using the concept of three-electron bond one can represent the actual electron structure of benzene, explain specificity of the aromatic bond and calculate the delocalization energy.
Category: Chemistry