Theoretical analysis of the smallest carbon cluster containing a planar tetracoordinate carbon

A series of molecules, based on the smallest carbon cluster with one planar tetracoordinate carbon atom, C₅^2-, are presented. To gain a better understanding about which electronic factors contribute to their stabilization, several global reactivity indexes, molecular scalar fields, and magnetic responses were calculated. The optimized bond lengths and the topological analysis of the electron density show that the central carbon atom in the parent dianion C₅^2- has a planar local environment, and it is coordinated to four other carbon atoms. The bonding of the parent dianion with the metal cations is highly ionic. The magnetic properties show that the C₅^2- derivatives are strongly diatropic and have a remarkable transferability of structural and electronic features from the anion to the salts. The theoretical analysis suggests that the lithium salt, C₅Li₂, is the most plausible candidate for experimental detection.