[scienceguy]

Hi there,

I posted a proposed mechanism for making carbon nanotubes on another site, but I don't think many chemists are on that site. Here's the link:

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=26826.0

If outside links are not allowed, please let me know. If it's ok, please comment on the proposed method.

Thanks!

[opsomath]

I have to check out that reference sometime when I can access the full text, but I don't think that real high-molecular-weight polyacetylene is soluble in anything.

I also don't think that Diels-Alder crosslinking reaction is going to happen very efficiently. What you'll probably wind up with is a mass of crosslinked carbon.

Most importantly, polyacetylene is (CH)n, meaning that you have a mole of hydrogen to get rid of. You would need some kind of oxidizing agent in your scheme.

I've made polyacetylene before; it's a black, intractable, insoluble crud. Difficult to work with.