frontene

Frontene is a hypothetical material described in theoretical chemistry and science fiction as a two‑dimensional, carbon‑based sheet with a distinctive front‑oriented surface. In proposed models, frontene comprises a lattice of conjugated units that expose a frontal plane of delocalized electrons, which interacts with light and charge carriers primarily through the front surface.

Structurally, a single-layer frontene is imagined as a planar network with anisotropic bonding, yielding high in‑plane stiffness and potential for directional electronic properties. The front‑facing π system is predicted to support unusual optical responses, including pronounced birefringence and wavelength‑dependent absorption, tied to the orientation of the front surface.

Synthesis has not been demonstrated; theoretical studies use quantum‑chemical calculations and simulations to explore stability, band structure, and transport properties. Challenges include stabilizing reactive front surfaces and achieving scalable fabrication. Researchers discuss potential routes such as on‑surface synthesis, templated polymerization, or chemical functionalization to lock the front plane in place.

Potential applications in speculative contexts include ultra‑thin flexible electronics, anisotropic optical coatings, and novel energy‑storage substrates. Real‑world relevance remains hypothetical, serving as a model for the study of two‑dimensional conjugated systems and front‑surface chemistry.

Etymology: the name combines "front" with the common suffix -ene used for unsaturated hydrocarbons. In fiction and some theoretical writings, frontene serves as shorthand for front‑surface‑ dominated materials.