A method for synthesizing polyynes in solution Original Research Article

A new simple method for synthesizing polyynes (or oligoynes as called in earlier literature) in solution is reported. The method involves the hydrolysis of calcium carbide in a solution of ammonium chloride and cuprous and cupric chloride followed by acid hydrolysis of the resulting product. The polyynes are released and are scavenged with a hydrocarbon solvent like heptane. The polyynes in solution are produced in relatively high concentration (up to 10−2 M), without soot and PAHs secondary products and these are clear advantages over the polyynes synthesis with the submerged electric carbon arc technique. The mechanism of polyynes formation is explained.