Sentence:  A number of semiempirical estimates by various workers lead to the conclusion that the **f bond becomes symmetric when the **f bond length <WSD>is</WSD> about 2.4 to 2.5 A , but aside from the possible example of nickel dimethylglyoxime there have been no convincing reports of symmetric **f bonds . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)