A new hybrid material C10H2@SWNTs, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) encapsulating C10H2 polyyne molecules, has been synthesized and confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction measurement. The C10H2 polyyne molecules composed of linearly bonded sp-carbon atoms are aligned inside the SWNTs. This hybrid material exhibits a characteristic Raman signal at 2066 cm(-1) attributable to the stretching vibration of the C10H2 molecules interacting with SWNTs. Being trapped inside the SWNTs, the otherwise unstable C10H2 molecules are shown to be stable well above 300 degrees C under dry-air conditions. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.