"Unveiling the Synthesis of a Unique Doubly Anti-Aromatic Carbon Allotrope on Surfaces"

Scientists have successfully synthesized and characterized a cyclo[16]carbon molecule, a doubly anti-aromatic carbon allotrope, for the first time. The molecule was prepared on a NaCl surface using tip-induced chemistry and characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). The experimental results were supported by quantum mechanical calculations. The study confirms the double anti-aromaticity of the cyclo[16]carbon molecule and opens up possibilities for creating other carbon-rich anti-aromatic molecules through atom manipulation.