Atomiline

Atomiline is a fictional chemical concept used in speculative science and worldbuilding to describe a hypothetical one-dimensional molecular framework. The term refers to a class of chain-like compounds that can extend indefinitely under certain conditions, and is discussed in thought experiments about new materials with extreme properties.

Structure and properties: Atomiline units consist of repeating core units connected in a linear array. The chains are predicted to be highly anisotropic, offering high mechanical strength and potentially exceptional charge transport along the chain. Models sometimes assign a low mass density to enable flexible, lightweight materials. The electronic structure is described as quasi-one-dimensional, with energy bands that could support high mobility.

Synthesis and occurrence: In the fictional setting, atomiline is produced by templated polymerization or sequential assembly in specialized reactors. The required conditions involve precise control of catalysts, temperature, and reaction environment. It is not known to exist in the real world; no experimental synthesis has been demonstrated.

Applications and challenges: In worldbuilding contexts, atomiline is imagined as a conductor, structural nanomaterial, or scaffold for nanoelectronic devices. Practical challenges include stability of long chains, synthesis scalability, and safety concerns. Its status remains speculative and hypothetical.

See also: One-dimensional materials, carbon nanotubes, synthetic polymers, hypothetical materials.