A layered ionic crystal of polar Li@C(60) superatoms.
If the physical properties of C(60) fullerene molecules can be controlled in C(60) products already in use in various applications, the potential for industrial development will be significant. Encapsulation of a metal atom in the C(60) fullerene molecule is a promising way to control its physical properties. However, the isolation of C(60)-based metallofullerenes has been difficult due to their insolubility. Here, we report the complete isolation and determination of the molecular and crystal structure of polar cationic Li@C(60) metallofullerene. The physical and chemical properties of Li@C(60) cation are compared with those of pristine C(60). It is found that the lithium cation is located at off-centre positions in the C(60)-I(h) cage interior and that the [Li(+)@C(60)] salt has a unique two-dimensional structure. The present method of purification and crystallization of C(60)-based metallofullerenes provides a new C(60) fullerene material that contains a metal atom.
Aoyagi
Shinobu
S
Department of Applied Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan.
Nishibori
Eiji
E
Sawa
Hiroshi
H
Sugimoto
Kunihisa
K
Takata
Masaki
M
Miyata
Yasumitsu
Y
Kitaura
Ryo
R
Shinohara
Hisanori
H
Okada
Hiroshi
H
Sakai
Takeshi
T
Ono
Yoshihiro
Y
Kawachi
Kazuhiko
K
Yokoo
Kuniyoshi
K
Ono
Shoichi
S
Omote
Kenji
K
Kasama
Yasuhiko
Y
Ishikawa
Shinsuke
S
Komuro
Takashi
T
Tobita
Hiromi
H
D000965:Antimony / Q000737:chemistry; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D037741:Fullerenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D008094:Lithium / Q000737:chemistry*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008968:Molecular Conformation
D037741:Fullerenes; D008094:Lithium; D000965:Antimony