Errors in characterization and modeling undermine the report of the synthesis of γ-graphyne via alkyne metathesis

The recent Article by Zhang, Zhao and coworkers describes an attempt to synthesize γ-graphyne, an sp1-sp2 allotrope of carbon. We argue that the characterization of the material reported by the authors is inconsistent with the postulated structure of bulk γ-graphyne. Therefore, the primary claim of the Article, successful synthesis of γ-graphyne, should be reevaluated.