Building on the theoretical prediction and experimental realization of planar tetracoordinate carbons, there has been great progress in the theoretical prediction of species containing planar pentacoordinate carbon (ppC) centres. From simple clusters such as CAl5+ to complicated ppCs in 2D materials, this Review summarizes the ppC-containing species predicted to date and the design principles behind them.
- Valentin Vassilev-Galindo
- Sudip Pan
- Gabriel Merino