Biacetylene

Biacetylene, also known as diacetylene or butadiyne, is a chemical compound with the formula C4H2. It is a linear molecule consisting of two acetylene units joined together. The structure is H-C≡C-C≡C-H. Biacetylene is a highly reactive and unstable compound, particularly in its pure form. It is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure. Its high degree of unsaturation contributes to its reactivity, making it prone to polymerization and other reactions.

Biacetylene is a member of the polyyne family of organic compounds, which are characterized by chains of alternating triple and single bonds. Due to its instability, biacetylene is not commonly encountered as a bulk chemical. It can be synthesized through various methods, often involving the dehydrohalogenation of suitable halogenated precursors. It has been studied in the context of theoretical chemistry and its potential role in various chemical processes. Its explosive nature requires careful handling and specialized laboratory conditions when it is produced or studied.