The unexpected linear group 13 E
E triple bonds were herein uncovered with the D3h-symmetry E2M5+ (M = Li, Na, and K) clusters, where the linear M–E
E–M form is perfectly surrounded by M3 motifs. The increasing nonbonded electron density of the heavier main-group elements is the key issue for the trans-bent geometry, and yet it is strongly suppressed in E2M5+, creating two degenerate π bonds and one multi-center σ bond.
![Graphical abstract: Linear group 13 E [[triple bond, length as m-dash]] E triple bonds](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/D1CP01035B.jpg)