Scientists Achieve Guinness Record with 54-Atom Tiny Knot

• Guinness: 54-atom molecular knot record.
• Tighter Knot: Metallaknot beats 2020 with BCR 18.
• Molecular Milestone: Advances material science.

In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers have secured a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by creating the smallest and tightest knot ever known at the molecular scale. The team, as reported by Gizmodo, crafted a trefoil-shaped knot composed of 54 atoms, forming a continuous loop without any loose ends. The intricate structure, termed a “metallaknot,” is comprised of gold, carbon, and phosphorus.

Published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers detailed their work on the self-assembled knot, identified by the formula [Au6{1,2-C6H4(OCH2CC)2}3{Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2}3], or simply Au6, referring to the six gold atoms involved in the knot.

Determining the tightness of a knot at the molecular level involves classifying knots based on the minimum number of crossings when the reduced form of the structure is projected onto a two-dimensional surface, as explained in the team’s paper.

This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous record set in 2020, with the 54-atom knot boasting a backbone crossing ratio (BCR) of 18. The BCR measures how tight a knot is, and a smaller BCR indicates a tighter knot. The new knot significantly improves upon the previous record, featuring a BCR of 23 for a 69-atom knot. The tightness of the knot also outperforms the tightest organic trefoil knots by an impressive BCR margin of 7.3.

According to ScienceAlert, this achievement brings the knot remarkably close to the theoretical limit of knot length. Previous research had suggested that the smallest trefoil knot should contain “at least 50” atoms.

This remarkable accomplishment adds another entry to the Guinness Book of World Records, showcasing the continuous pursuit of excellence in scientific endeavors. The intricate world of molecular knots is not only pushing the boundaries of what is possible at the microscopic level but is also unlocking new dimensions of understanding in materials science.

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