What is "carbyne"

n. 1 the trivalent radical R-C⋮ or any of its hydrocarbyl derivatives 2 the linear carbon allotrope; composed of alternating (1) triple and single bonds (nowrap: [ ...–C≡C–C≡C–... ]) or (2) double bonds (nowrap: 1=[ ...=C=C=C=... ]) 3 linear acetylenic carbon, a form of the linear carbon allotrope consisting of the form with alternating single and triple bonded carbons (nowrap: [ ...–C≡C–C≡C–... ])

In organic chemistry, a carbyne is a general term for any compound whose molecular structure includes an electrically neutral carbon atom with three non-bonded electrons, connected to another atom by a single bond. A carbyne has the general formula R-C, where R is any monovalent group and the superscript indicates the three unbounded valences. Carbynes are named after the simplest such compound, HC, the methylidyne radical or (unsubstituted) carbyne. Bulk carbyne (−C≡C−) is also called linear acetylenic carbon.

The word carbyne may mean

• A carbyne R-C⫶, a class of free radicals with three dangling bonds on a carbon atom;
• The methylidyne radical ⫶CH, the parent member and namesake of the carbyne family;
• Linear acetylenic carbon (C≡C−), a form of carbon with chains of alternating single and triple bounds.
• A polyyne, a molecule with such a chain in its molecular structure.