Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the number of electrons that can be exchanged between two atoms, specifically focusing on the existence of bonds that involve sharing more than four electrons. Participants explore various examples from chemistry, including specific molecules and complexes.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions whether any elements or molecules can exchange more than four electrons per bond.
- Another participant mentions the existence of a triple bond in acetylene as a relevant example.
- A different participant claims that diatomic ditungsten (W2) and dimolybdenum (Mo2) may share up to twelve electrons, referencing sextuple bonds.
- Another contributor notes that several diatomic uranium complexes are believed to have quintuple bonds and mentions that metal-metal bonded complexes can exceed triple bonds, citing research from F. A. Cotton's group on Cr-Cr and Re-Re quadruple bonds, as well as sextuple bonds.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants present multiple competing views regarding the maximum number of electrons that can be shared between two atoms, with no consensus reached on a definitive answer.
Contextual Notes
Some claims depend on specific definitions of bonding and may involve complex coordination chemistry, which is not fully resolved in the discussion.