One‐Dimensional Phosphorus Nanostructures: from Nanorings to Nanohelices

Phosphorus nanorings and nanohelices—speculated to exist over 20 years ago—have been systematically derived from one parent structure and studied with quantum chemical methods. The (P 8 P 2 ) n nanorings have been recently synthetized inside carbon nanotube templates, and our comprehensive analysis of possible structural arrangements strongly supports the possibility to experimentally determine the closely related (P 8 P 2 ) n nanohelices. The nanohelices possess very low stiffness, suggesting interesting mechanical properties with nano‐spring‐like behavior.