Stretch and relax: Losing one electron switches magnetism on in dichromium
Monday, February 23, 2015 - 12:30
in Physics & Chemistry
Scientists have provided the first direct experimental insight into the secret quantum life of dichromium. Whereas in its normal state the 12 valence electrons form a strong multiple bond between the two chromium atoms, removing only one electron changes the situation dramatically: 10 electrons localize and align their spins, thus resulting in ferromagnetic behavior of the dichromium-kation. The bonding is done by one electron only, resulting in a much weaker bond.