I spoke with a professor ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_de_Heer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_de_Heer ) once about a question somewhat related to this

I spoke with a professor ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_de_Heer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_de_Heer ) once about a question somewhat related to this topic, specifically in cluster physics, regarding the formation of stable condensates of atomic clusters. An atomic cluster is sort of a jelly ball of atoms, where the orbitals, rather than being organized into nice molecular bonds, have become nonlocal and the whole thing acts as a sort of "superatom". They can carry a charge, as in the Zintl clusters e.g. Pb_9(4-): nine lead atoms with four extra electrons. In some very rare cases the clusters form metastable compounds. When I asked de Heer's opinion on producing condensates of clusters, he said quickly "it's a bomb!". Apparently there is so much energy in these unfavorable molecular configurations that you would never want to try to isolate a substantial amount of them. I imagine a similar principle applies to carbyne.