28Si2

28Si2 is a hypothetical molecule consisting of two silicon atoms bonded together. Silicon is an element in the same group as carbon, and like carbon, it can form stable covalent bonds with itself. While silicon typically exists in a network solid structure like silicon dioxide or elemental silicon, diatomic molecules are possible under specific conditions, such as in high-temperature gaseous phases or in interstellar clouds. The Si-Si bond length in such a molecule is predicted to be similar to that found in elemental silicon. The electronic structure of 28Si2 would involve a sigma bond between the two silicon atoms, similar to the C-C bond in diatomic carbon. Computational studies have explored the properties of 28Si2, including its bond dissociation energy and vibrational frequencies. The isotope notation "28Si" refers to the most abundant natural isotope of silicon, which has 14 protons and 14 neutrons. Therefore, 28Si2 specifically denotes a molecule composed of two atoms of this particular silicon isotope. The existence and characterization of such diatomic silicon species are areas of ongoing research in physical chemistry and astrochemistry.