“…Broad absorption bands are found in the UV‐vis spectrum of Py*[2], while the longer polyynes, Py*[4], Py*[6], and Py*[8], spectra display patterns with vibronic fine structure consistent with other polyynes (Figure ), such as those endcapped with 4‐pyridyl (Py[ n ]) or phenyl groups (Ph‐[CC] n ‐Ph, Ph[ n ]). The nature of the aryl endgroup has a noticeable effect on λ max values for shorter polyynes, e.g., there is a range of 38 nm in structurally similar diynes Ph[2] ( λ max =328 nm in THF), [25 ] Py[2] ( λ max =330 nm in CHCl 3 ), Py*[2] ( λ max =366 nm in CH 2 Cl 2 ). The endgroup effect diminishes for longer derivatives, and essentially disappears for octaynes Py*[8] and Ph[8] [ 25] with λ max =517 and 512 nm (in CH 2 Cl 2 and THF, respectively).…”