First detection of the Cs symmetric isomer of carbon hexaoxide (CO6) at 10 K

Carbon oxides of the form CO_n (n = 2–8) have long been known as important molecules in atmospheric and solid state chemical reactions. Here, we report on the first infrared spectroscopic detection of the cyclic (C_s) isomer of carbon hexaoxide (¹²C¹⁶O₆) via its ν₁ vibrational mode centered around 1876 cm⁻¹ under matrix isolation conditions; the identification of the ¹²C¹⁸O₆, ¹³C¹⁶O₆, and ¹³C¹⁸O₆, isotopologues supported by ab initio calculations confirm the assignments. We also discuss possible formation routes of this molecule.