Reactions of Transition Metal Complexes with Fullerenes (C(60), C(70), etc.) and Related Materials

Dinuclear iridium complexes ligated by lithium-ion endohedral fullerene Li+@C60

The diiridium complexes of lithium-ion endohedral fullerene Li+@C60 were synthesised in high yields. X-ray crystallography revealed the η2:η2-coordination of Li+@C60 and the disorder of the Li+ ion over two sites close to the coordinated carbons. 13C NMR study suggested the presence of dynamic behaviour via haptotropic rearrangements. UV/Vis and CV characteristics were also investigated experimentally and theoretically.

C60 Fullerene-Induced Reduction of Metal Ions: Synthesis of C60-Metal Cluster Heterostructures with High Electrocatalytic Hydrogen-Evolution Performance

Metal clusters, due to their small dimensions, contain a high proportion of surface atoms, thus possessing a significantly improved catalytic activity compared with their bulk counterparts and nanoparticles. Defective and modified carbon supports are effective in stabilizing metal clusters, however, the synthesis of isolated metal clusters still requires multiple steps and harsh conditions. Herein, we develop a C60 fullerene-driven spontaneous metal deposition process, where C60 serves as both a reductant and an anchor, to achieve uniform metal (Rh, Ir, Pt, Pd, Au and Ru) clusters without the need for any defects or functional groups on C60. Density functional theory calculations reveal that C60 possesses multiple strong metal adsorption sites, which favors stable and uniform deposition of metal atoms. In addition, owing to the electron-withdrawing properties of C60, the electronic structures of metal clusters are effectively regulated, not only optimizing the adsorption behavior of reaction intermediates but also accelerating the kinetics of hydrogen evolution reaction. The synthesized Ru/C60-300 exhibits remarkable performance for hydrogen evolution in an alkaline condition. This study demonstrates a facile and efficient method for synthesizing effective fullerene-supported metal cluster catalysts without any pretreatment and additional reducing agent.

Substituted fullerenes as a promising capping ligand towards stabilization of exohedral Dy(III) based single-ion magnets: a theoretical study

Organometallic dysprosocenium-based molecular magnets are the forefront runners in offering giant magnetic anisotropy and blocking temperatures close to the boiling point of liquid nitrogen. Attaining linearity in the organometallic dysprosocenium complexes is the key to generating giant magnetic anisotropy and blocking barriers. In the present study, we have unravelled the coordination ability of the substituted fullerene (C55X5)- (where X = CCH3, B, and N) generated by fencing around the five-membered ring of fullerene towards stabilizing a new family of exohedral dysprosium organometallic complexes showcasing giant magnetic anisotropy and blockade barriers. Eight exohedral mononuclear dysprosium organometallic complexes, namely [Dy(η5-C55X5)(η4-C4H4)] (1), [Dy(η5-C55X5)(η5-Cp)]+ (2), [Dy(η5-C55X5)(η5-Cp*)]+ (3), [Dy(η5-C55X5)(η6-C6H6)]2+ (4), [Dy(η5-C55X5)(η8-C8H8)] (5), [Dy(η5-C55X5)2]+ (6) (where X = CCH3), [Dy(η5-C55B5)2]+ (7) and [Dy(η5-C55N5)2]+ (8), were studied using scalar relativistic density functional theory (SR-DFT) and the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) methodology to shed light on the structure, stability, bonding and single-ion magnetic properties. SR-DFT calculations predict complexes 1-8 to be highly stable, with a strictly linear geometry around the Dy(III) ion in complexes 6-8. Energy Decomposition Analysis (EDA) predicts the following order for interaction energy (ΔEint value): 5 > 1 > 2 ≈ 3 > 6 > 7 > 8 > 4, with sizable 4f-ligand covalency in all the complexes. CASSCF calculations on complexes 1-8 predict stabilization of mJ |±15/2〉 as the ground state for all the complexes except for 5, with the following trend in the Ucal values: 6 (1573 cm-1) ≈ 3 (1569 cm-1) > 1 (1538 cm-1) > 8 (1347 cm-1) > 2 (1305 cm-1) > 7 (1284 cm-1) > 4 (1125 cm-1) > 5 (108 cm-1). Ab initio ligand field theory (AILFT) analysis provides a rationale for Ucal ordering, where π-type 4f-ligand interactions in complexes 1-4 and 6-8 offer giant barrier height while the large (C8H8)2- rings generate δ-type interaction in 5, which diminishes the axiality in the ligand field. Our detailed finding suggests that the exohedral organometallic dysprosocenium complexes are more linear compared to bent [DyCp*2]+ cations and display a giant barrier height exceeding 1500 cm-1 with negligible quantum tunnelling of magnetization (QTM) - a new approach to design highly anisotropic dysprosium organometallic complexes.

A Well-Defined Magnesium Complex of C70 6

Controlling and understanding charge state and metal coordination in carbon nanomaterials is crucial to harnessing their unique properties. Here we describe the synthesis of the well-defined fulleride complex [{(Mesnacnac)Mg}6C70], 2, (Mesnacnac)=HC(MeCNMes)2, Mes=2,4,6-Me3C6H2, from the reaction of the β-diketiminate magnesium(I) complex [{(Mesnacnac)Mg}2] with C70 in aromatic solvents. The molecular structure of complex 2 was determined, providing the first high-quality structural study of a complex with the C70 6- ion. In combination with solution state NMR spectroscopic and DFT computational studies, the changes in geometry and charge distribution in the various atom and bond types of the fulleride unit were investigated. Additionally, the influence of the (Mesnacnac)Mg+ cations on the global and local fulleride coordination environment was examined.

Realization of Organocerium-Based Fullerene Molecular Materials Showing Mott Insulator-Type Behavior

Electron-rich organocerium complexes (C5Me4H)3Ce and [(C5Me5)2Ce(ortho-oxa)], with redox potentials E1/2 = -0.82 V and E1/2 = -0.86 V versus Fc/Fc+, respectively, were reacted with fullerene (C60) in different stoichiometries to obtain molecular materials. Structurally characterized cocrystals: [(C5Me4H)3Ce]2·C60 (1) and [(C5Me5)2Ce(ortho-oxa)]3·C60 (2) of C60 with cerium-based, molecular rare earth precursors are reported for the first time. The extent of charge transfer in 1 and 2 was evaluated using a series of physical measurements: FT-IR, Raman, solid-state UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The physical measurements indicate that 1 and 2 comprise the cerium(III) oxidation state, with formally neutral C60 as a cocrystal in both cases. Pressure-dependent periodic density functional theory calculations were performed to study the electronic structure of 1. Inclusion of a Hubbard-U parameter removes Ce f states from the Fermi level, opens up a band gap, and stabilizes FM/AFM magnetic solutions that are isoenergetic because of the large distances between the Ce(III) cations. The electronic structure of this strongly correlated Mott insulator-type system is reminiscent of the well-studied Ce2O3.

Open-cage fullerenes as ligands for metals

The remarkable structures of open-cage fullerenes with functionalization on the outer surface and an accessible inner void make them interesting ligands for reactions with metal complexes. The behaviors of open-cage fullerenes in reactions with various metal complexes are examined and compared to the corresponding reactions with intact fullerenes. The structural results from X-ray diffraction are emphasized. Open-cage fullerenes frequently undergo unanticipated structural changes such as carbon-carbon bond cleavage upon reactions with metal complexes. Much more remains to be learned about the possibility of inserting metal ions larger than Li+ into the interior void of these open-cage fullerenes and about the effects of redox reactions on metal complexes of open-cage fullerenes.

Paramagnetic {[Fe(CO)2]2-μ2-η2:η2-η2:η2-(C60)2}2- Dimer Bridged by Iron Atoms and C-C Bonds: Effect of Starting Iron Carbonyls on Structures and Properties of Negatively Charged Iron-Bridged Fullerene Dimers

The reaction between an excess of Fe(CO)5 with {Cryptand(K+)}(C60•-) produced the salt {Cryptand(K+)}2{[Fe(CO)2]2-μ2-η2:η2-η2:η2-(C60)2}2-·4C6H4Cl2 (1) containing negatively charged iron-bridged fullerene dimers. In these dimers, the C60 cages are linked via two Fe(CO)2 fragments, forming short Fe-C(C60) bonds with a length of 2.070(3) Å and via two intercage C-C bonds with a length of 1.566(3) Å. Interfullerene center-to-center distance is short, being 9.02 Å. Thus, the coordination-induced dimerization of fullerenes is observed in 1. The dimer is negatively charged, with additional negative electron density mainly localized on iron atoms and, to a lesser extent, on the C60 cages, as revealed by optical and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra. These dimers have a diamagnetic singlet ground state with a small singlet-triplet gap of 25 K; consequently, they transfer to a paramagnetic state with two S = 1/2 spins per dimer above 50 K. Previously, different dimers with isomeric structures were obtained starting from {Cryptand(K+)}(C60•-) and Fe3(CO)12. However, these dimers exhibit diamagnetic properties, owing to the formation of a Fe-Fe bond. In contrast, in dimer 1, the Fe atoms are positioned too far apart to form such a bond, preserving the spin on Fe. We assume that both dimers are formed through the same [Fe(CO)3](C60•-) intermediate, but the subsequent interaction of this intermediate with Fe3(CO)12 or its dimerization yields different dimers. Therefore, the starting carbonyls can control the structures and properties of the resulting dimers.

Icosidodecahedral Coordination-Saturated Cuprofullerene

The first coordination-saturated buckyball with a C60 molecule totally encased in an icosidodecahedral Cu30 in a (μ30 -(η2 )30 )-fashion, namely C60 @Cu30 @Cl36 N12 , has been successfully realized by a C60 -templated assembly. The 48 outmost coordinating atoms (36Cl+12N) comprise a new simple polyhedron that is described by a ccf topology. Charge transfer from (CuI , Cl) to C60 explains the expansion of the light absorption up to 700 nm, and accounts for an ultrafast photophysical process that underpins its high photothermal conversion efficiency. This work makes a giant step forward in exohedral metallofullerene (ExMF) chemistry.

Single-atomic platinum on fullerene C60 surfaces for accelerated alkaline hydrogen evolution

The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is one of the most studied and promising processes for hydrogen fuel generation. Single-atom catalysts have been shown to exhibit ultra-high HER catalytic activity, but the harsh preparation conditions and the low single-atom loading hinder their practical applications. Furthermore, promoting hydrogen evolution reaction kinetics, especially in alkaline electrolytes, remains as an important challenge. Herein, Pt/C₆₀ catalysts with high-loading, high-dispersion single-atomic platinum anchored on C₆₀ are achieved through a room-temperature synthetic strategy. Pt/C₆₀-2 exhibits high HER catalytic performance with a low overpotential (η₁₀) of 25 mV at 10 mA cm^-2. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the Pt-C₆₀ polymeric structures in Pt/C₆₀-2 favors water adsorption, and the shell-like charge redistribution around the Pt-bonding region induced by the curved surfaces of two adjacent C₆₀ facilitates the desorption of hydrogen, thus favoring fast reaction kinetics for hydrogen evolution.

Silver Nanoparticles Anchored on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes via a Conjugated Polymer for Enhanced Sensing Applications

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are candidate matrices for loading metal nanoparticles (NPs) for sensor and catalytic applications owing to their high electron conductivity and mechanical strength, larger surface area, excellent chemical stability, and ease of surface modification. The performance of the formed NP/SWCNT composites is dependent on the NP size, the physical and chemical interactions between the components, and the charge transfer capabilities. Anchoring metal complexes onto the surface of SWCNTs through noncovalent interactions is a viable strategy for achieving high-level metal dispersion and high charge transfer capacities between metal NPs and SWCNTs. However, traditional metal complexes have small molecular sizes, and their noncovalent interactions with SWCNTs are limited to provide excellent sensing and catalytic capability with restricted efficiency and durability. Here, we selected poly(9,9-di-n-dodecylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl-alt-2,2'-bipyridine-5,5') (PFBPy) to increase the noncovalent interactions between silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and SWCNTs. A silver triflate (Ag-OTf) solution was added into a PFBPy-wrapped SWCNT solution to form Ag-PFBPy complexes on the nanotube surface, after which Ag⁺ was photoreduced to AgNPs to form a Ag-PFBPy/SWCNT composite in the solution. In various feeding molar ratios of Ag-OTf over the BPy unit (0.4-50), the size of the formed AgNPs may be well-controlled at sub-nm levels to provide them with an energy level comparable to that of the SWCNTs. Additionally, the 2,2'-bipyridine (BPy) unit of the polymer provided a coordinating interaction with Ag⁺ and the formed AgNPs as well. The 5,5'-linage of BPy with the fluorene unit in PFBPy ensured a straight main chain structure to retain strong π-π interactions with nanotubes before and after Ag⁺ chelation. All of these factors confirmed a tight contact between the formed AgNPs and SWCNTs, promoting the charge transfer between them and enhancing the sensing capabilities with a 5-fold increase in humidity sensing sensitivity.

Fulleride-metal η5 sandwich and multi-decker sandwich complexes: A DFT prediction

The (C₆₀ CN)^- formed by the reaction of CN^- with fullerene shows high electron rich character, very similar to C₆₀ ˙^- , and it behaves as a large anion. Similar to Cp^- , the bulky anion, (C₆₀ CN)^- , acts as a strong η⁵ ligand towards transition metal centers. Previous studies on η⁵ coordination of fullerene cage are reported for pseudo fullerenes whereas the present study deals with sandwich complexes of (C₆₀ CN)^- with Fe(II), Ru(II), Cr(II), Mo(II), and Ni(II) and multi-decker sandwich complexes of CN-fullerides with Fe(II). The structural parameters of these complexes and the corresponding Cp^- complexes showed very close resemblance. Analysis of the metal-to-carbon bonding molecular orbitals showed that sandwich complex [Fe(η⁵ -(C₆₀ CN)^- )₂ ] exhibit bonding features very similar to that of ferrocene. Also, a 6-fold decrease in the band gap energy is observed for [Fe(η⁵ -(C₆₀ CN)^- )₂ ] compared to ferrocene. The energy of dissociation (ΔE) of the ligand (C₆₀ CN)^- from [Fe(η⁵ -(C₆₀ CN)^- )₂ ] is slightly lower than the ΔE of a Cp* ligand from a ferrocene derivative wherein each cyclopentadienyl unit is substituted with four tertiary butyl groups. The (C₆₀ CN)^- ligand behaved as one of the bulkiest ligands in the chemistry of sandwich complexes. Further, the coordinating ability of the dianion, (C₆₀ (CN)₂ )^2- is evaluated which showed strong coordination ability simultaneously with two metal centers leading to the formation of multi-decker sandwich and pearl-necklace type polymeric structures.

Negatively Charged Iron-Bridged Fullerene Dimer {Fe(CO)2-μ2-η2,η2-C60}22

The interaction of {Cryptand(K⁺)}(C₆₀^•-) with Fe₃(CO)₁₂ produced {Cryptand(K⁺)}₂{Fe(CO)₂-μ₂-η²,η²-C₆₀}₂^2-·2.5C₆H₄Cl₂ (1) as the first negatively charged iron-bridged fullerene C₆₀ dimer. The bridged iron atoms are coordinated to two 6-6 bonds of one C₆₀ hexagon with short and long C(C₆₀)-Fe bonds with average lengths of 2.042(3) and 2.088(3) Å. Fullerenes are close to each other in the dimer with a center-to-center interfullerene distance of 10.02 Å. Optical spectra support the localization of negative electron density on the Fe₂(CO)₄ units, which causes a 50 cm^-1 shift of the C≡O vibration bands to smaller wavenumbers, and the C₆₀ cages. Dimers are diamagnetic and electron paramagnetic resonance silent and have a singlet ground state resulting from the formation of an Fe-Fe bond in the dimer with a length of 2.978(4) Å. According to density functional theory calculations, the excited triplet state is higher than the ground state by 6.5 kcal/mol. Compound 1 shows a broad near-infrared band with a maximum at 970 nm, which is attributable to the charge transfer from the orbitals localized mainly on iron atoms to the C₆₀ ligand.

Polyanionic cyano-fullerides for CO2 capture: a DFT prediction

The reaction of C₆₀ fullerene with 'n' molecules (n = 1 to 6) of 1,3-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-2-cyano-imidazole (IMCN) results in the exothermic formation of imidazolium cation-polyanionic fulleride complexes, (IM⁺)_n⋯((C₆₀(CN)_n)^n-). The binding energy of IM⁺ with (C₆₀(CN)_n)^n- in the imidazolium-fulleride ionic complexes increased from -69.6 kcal mol^-1 for n = 1 to -202.9 kcal mol^-1 for n = 6. The energetics of the complex formation and cation-anion interaction energy data suggest the formation of imidazolium-fulleride ionic liquid (IL) systems. Furthermore, the dimer formation of such ionic complexes showed more exergonic nature due to multiple cooperative electrostatic interactions between oppositely charged species and suggested improved energetics for higher order clusters. The molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) analysis has revealed that the extra 'n' electrons in the ionic complex as well as that in the bare (C₆₀(CN)_n)^n- are delocalized mainly on the unsaturated carbon centers of the fullerene unit, while the CN groups remain as a neutral unit. The MESP minimum (V_min) values of (C₆₀(CN)_n)^n- on the carbon cage have shown that the addition of each CN^- unit on the cage enhances the negative character of V_min by ∼54.7 kcal mol^-1. This enhancement in MESP is comparable to the enhancement observed when one electron is added to C₆₀ to produce (^-62.5 kcal mol^-1) and suggests that adding 'n' CN^- groups to the fullerene cage is equivalent to supplying 'n' electrons to the carbon cage. Also the high capacity of the fullerene cage to hold several electrons can be attributed to the spherical delocalization of them onto the electron deficient carbon cage. The interactive behavior of CO₂ molecules with (IM⁺)_n⋯(C₆₀(CN)_n)^n- systems showed that the interaction becomes stronger from -2.3 kcal mol^-1 for n = 1 to -18.6 kcal mol^-1 for n = 6. From the trianionic fulleride onwards, the C⋯CO₂ noncovalent (nc) interaction changes to C-CO₂ covalent (c) interaction with the development of carboxylate character on the adsorbed CO₂. These results prove that cyano-fullerides are promising candidates for CO₂ capture.

A 1D Mixed-Valence Cuprofullerene Pyrazolate Polymer as a Semiconductor Material

Polymeric {Cu₆[(μ₃-η²:η²:η²)₂-C₆₀](FPz)₆Cl·3C₆H₅Cl}_∞ [FPz = 4-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolate], synthesized solvothermally with chlorobenzene as the solvent, is a doubly-connecting trans bis-adduct hexanuclear cuprofullerene that has copper in mixed valence. The compound is an example of a metallofullerene having semiconductivity character.

The coordination chemistry of oxide and nanocarbon materials

Understanding how a ligand affects the steric and electronic properties of a metal is the cornerstone of the inorganic chemistry enterprise. What happens when the ligand is an extended surface? This question is central to the design and implementation of state-of-the-art functional materials containing transition metals. This perspective will describe how these two very different sets of extended surfaces can form well-defined coordination complexes with metals. In the Green formalism, functionalities on oxide surfaces react with inorganics to form species that contain X-type or LX-type interactions between the metal and the oxide. Carbon surfaces are neutral L-type ligands; this perspective focuses on carbons that donate six electrons to a metal. The nature of this interaction depends on the curvature, and thereby orbital overlap, between the metal and the extended π-system from the nanocarbon.

Regioisomeric core-shell cuprofullerene C60@Cu24

The controlled synthesis of high-nuclear regioisomeric core-shell exohedral metallofullerenes (ExMFs) is challenging. Herein, we demonstrated the synthesis of regioisomeric core-shell cuprofullerene C₆₀@Cu^I₂₄ and its 3-D coordination polymer using heteroleptic ligands, realizing high-nuclear regioisomeric ExMFs and a polymeric ExMF structure.

Diversity of Metal—Fullerene Framework Structures Regulated by Metal Salts

Taking into account the diversity of fullerene ligands and metal salts, metal–fullerene frameworks (MFFs) present a variety of structures. Currently, the structural control of MFFs mainly relies on the design and synthesis of fullerene ligands, while the influence of metal building units on the structures has been rarely studied. The present work represents a systematical investigation of fullerene-linked supramolecular architectures incorporating different metal salts. Treatment of a bidentate N,N-donors fullerene ligand (L1) with six metal salts ([Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, Cd(NO₃)₂·4H₂O, Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, Cu(OAc)₂·H₂O, FeCl₂·4H₂O and FeCl₃·6H₂O]) produced six one-dimensional MFFs, i.e., ZnL1(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂ (1), CdL1(NO₃)₂ (2), Cu(L1)(H₂O)₂(NO₃)₂ (3), CuL1(OAc)(CH₃O) (4), FeL1Cl₂ (5) and FeL1Cl₂(FeCl₄) (6). Compounds 1–3, built with nitrates with different metal centers (M(NO₃)₂, M = Zn, Cd, Cu), present a 1D stair-like, 1D zigzag, and 1D linear chain structure, respectively. Compound 4, synthesized with another Cu(II) salt, Cu(OAc)₂, displays a dinuclear Cu-Cu connected 1D stair-like chain structure, rather than the single Cu linked 1D linear chain obtained from Cu(NO₃)₂. Compounds 5 and 6, assembled from iron chloride of different oxidation states (Fe(II)Cl₂ and Fe(III)Cl₃) reveal a 1D zigzag and a 1D stair-like chain structure, respectively. The results demonstrate the significant influences of metal salts on the structures of metal–fullerene frameworks.

Palladium-Catalyzed Three-Component 1,4-Alkoxyarylation Reaction of [60]Fullerene

The palladium-catalyzed three-component alkoxyarylation reaction of [60]fullerene with primary/secondary alcohols and aryl iodides generates a series of 1,4-(alkoxy)(aryl)[60]fullerene derivatives. Plausible reaction pathways for the formation of 1,4-(alkoxy)(aryl)[60]fullerenes are proposed. In addition, the electrochemical properties of the synthesized 1,4-alkoxyarylation adducts are investigated.

A computational study on the nature, strength and cooperativity of bonds in [M(η5–C60Me5)(CO)n] and [M(η5–Cp)(CO)n] (n = 3, M = Mn(i), Tc(i), Re(i); n = 2, M = Co(i), Rh(i), Ir(i)) complexes

It is shown that, due to cooperativity versus anticooperativity of bonds, the total interaction energy of a complex, having weaker metal–ligand bonds, can be comparable to or even larger than that of a similar complex having stronger bonds.

Palladium-catalyzed three-component 1,4-aminoarylation of [60]fullerene with aryl iodides and N-methoxysulfonamides, and further transformations

The palladium-catalyzed three-component 1,4-aminoarylation of [60]fullerene afforded 1,4-(aryl)(sulfonamide)[60]fullerenes, of which the sulfonamide group could be replaced by a (hetero)aryl, malonate ester or allyl group in the presence of FeCl3.

Soft Bioelectronics Based on Nanomaterials

Recent advances in nanostructured materials and unconventional device designs have transformed the bioelectronics from a rigid and bulky form into a soft and ultrathin form and brought enormous advantages to the bioelectronics. For example, mechanical deformability of the soft bioelectronics and thus its conformal contact onto soft curved organs such as brain, heart, and skin have allowed researchers to measure high-quality biosignals, deliver real-time feedback treatments, and lower long-term side-effects in vivo. Here, we review various materials, fabrication methods, and device strategies for flexible and stretchable electronics, especially focusing on soft biointegrated electronics using nanomaterials and their composites. First, we summarize top-down material processing and bottom-up synthesis methods of various nanomaterials. Next, we discuss state-of-the-art technologies for intrinsically stretchable nanocomposites composed of nanostructured materials incorporated in elastomers or hydrogels. We also briefly discuss unconventional device design strategies for soft bioelectronics. Then individual device components for soft bioelectronics, such as biosensing, data storage, display, therapeutic stimulation, and power supply devices, are introduced. Afterward, representative application examples of the soft bioelectronics are described. A brief summary with a discussion on remaining challenges concludes the review.

Introduction of a (Ph3P)2Pt group into the rim of an open-cage fullerene by breaking a carbon-carbon bond

Treatment of an open-cage fullerene, designated as MMK-9, with (Ph₃P)₄Pt in toluene solution at room temperature allows a (PPh₃)₂Pt unit to be incorporated into the rim of the cage so that it becomes an integral part of the carbon cage skeleton. The structure of the adduct has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and reveals that the platinum atom has planar PtC₂P₂ coordination, rather than the usual η²-bonding to an intact C-C double bond of the fullerene.

Imidazolium-fulleride ionic liquids - a DFT prediction

Ionic liquids (ILs) exhibit tunable physicochemical properties due to the flexibility of being able to select their cation-anion combination from a large pool of ions. The size of the ions controls the properties of the ILs in the range from ionic to molecular, and thus large ions play an important role in regulating the melting temperature and viscosity. Here, we show that the exohedral addition of anionic X^- moieties to C₆₀ (X = H, F, OH, CN, NH₂, and NO₂) is a thermodynamically viable process for creating large X-fulleride anions (C₆₀X)^-. The addition of X^- to C₆₀ is modelled by locating the transition state for the reaction between C₆₀ and 1,3-dimethyl-2X-imidazole (IMX) at the M06L/6-311++G(d,p)//M06L/6-31G(d,p) level. The reaction yields the ion-pair complex IM⁺⋯(C₆₀X)^- for X = H, F, OH, CN, NH₂, and NO₂ and the ordered pair of (activation free energy, reaction free energy) is found to be (14.5, 1.1), (6.1, 3.1), (16.7, 2.3), (14.7, -7.9), (27.9, 0.5) and (11.9, 12.4), respectively. The low barrier of the reactions suggests their feasibility. The reaction is slightly endergonic for X = H, F, OH, and NH₂, while X = CN shows a significant exergonic character. The X-fulleride formation is not observed when X = Cl and Br. The ion-pair interactions (E_ion-pair) observed for IM⁺⋯(C₆₀X)^- range from -64.0 to -73.0 kcal mol^-1, which is substantially lower (∼10%) than the typically reported values for imidazolium-based ionic liquids such as [EMIm]⁺[trz]^-, [EMIm]⁺[dc]^-, [EMIm]⁺[dtrz]^-, and [EMIm]⁺[NH₂tz]^-. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis showed that the C-X bonding in (C₆₀X)^- is covalent, while that in (IM⁺⋯X^-)⋯C₆₀ (for X = Cl and Br) is non-covalent. Furthermore, molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) analysis showed that the X-fulleride could behave as a large spherical anion due to the delocalization of the excess electron in the system over the entire carbon framework. The large anionic character of the X-fulleride is also revealed by the identification of several close lying local energy minima for the IM⁺⋯(C₆₀X)^- ion-pair. The low E_ion-pair value, the significant contribution of dispersion to the E_ion-pair and the spherical nature of the anion predict low-melting point and highly viscous IL formation from X-fullerides and the imidazolium cation.

How Can the η1-Type Fullerene-Metal Bond Survive? A Systematic Survey of Reactions between Mono-EMFs and (M'Ln)2 Dimers

Recently, one η¹-coordinated complex of endohedral metallofullerene (EMF) Y@C_2v(9)-C₈₂[Re(CO)₅] has been synthesized and characterized with a highly efficient radical-coupling methodology by performing a photochemical reaction between Y@C_2v(9)-C₈₂ and [Re(CO)₅]₂ complexes. Theoretical investigations with the density functional theory reveal that this complex is stabilized by an ionic C-Re bond. The reactions of M@C_2v(9)-C₈₂ (M = Sc, Y, La) with [Re(CO)₅]₂ suggest that the reaction energies differ little because of similar single occupied molecular orbitals (SOMOs) of M@C_2v(9)-C₈₂. In the reactions of Y@C_2v(9)-C₈₂ with various transition-metal complexes [M'L_n]₂ (M' = Mn, Tc, Re, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir), the C-M' bonds with Mn, Tc, Re, Fe, Ru, and Os can stably exist, whereas those with Co, Rh, and Ir are unstable. Further analyses disclose that, in each element group, the stability of the C-M' bond is mainly determined by the bond energy of the M'-M' bond, which is related to the d_σ orbital of the M'L_n species. Moreover, the very-low-energy d_σ orbitals and large geometrical distortions of M'(CO)₄ (M' = Co, Rh, Ir) lead to poor stabilities of the C-M' (M' = Co, Rh, Ir) bonds. As comparison, the reactions of Y@C_s(6)-C₈₂ and La@C₇₂ have been investigated. The Y@C_s(6)-C₈₂ structure is more reactive toward the [M'L_n]₂ complexes than Y@C_2v(9)-C₈₂ thanks to a lower SOMO of Y@C_s(6)-C₈₂ than that of Y@C_2v(9)-C₈₂, which derives from position change of the Y atom in C_s(6)-C₈₂ during the reactions. However, the formation of [Y@C_s(6)-C₈₂]₂ suppresses the formation of several C-M' bonds. The reactivity of La@C₇₂ is weak due to a high LUMO+1 of C₇₂, which leads to a high SOMO of La@C₇₂. We believe that this theoretical study provides primary principles of radical-coupling reactions of EMFs and will be valuable for future research of organometallic complexes of fullerene.

The comparison of structure, nature of bond, and electronic transitions in [M(η5 -Cp)(η5 -C60 Me5 )] (M = Fe2+ , Ru2+ , Os2+ ) hybrids and corresponding metallocenes; a theoretical study

In this paper, metallocene-fullerene hybrid complexes, [M(η⁵ -Cp)(η⁵ -C₆₀ Me₅ )] (M = Fe²⁺ , Ru²⁺ , Os²⁺ ), as well as corresponding classical metallocenes have been studied theoretically at BP86/def2-SVP and M06L/def2-SVP levels of theory. With considering these metal complexes as an ABA' system (B is the central metal ion and A and A' are related η⁵ -ligands), the total interaction energies were calculated using common methods, as well as by calculating the interaction energies between the four defined pairs of fragments including A-B, B-A', A-BA', and AB-A'. The resulting data clearly showed that in all complexes there is a strong anticoopertivity between two metal-(η⁵ -ligand) bonds. In order to understand the origin of difference in values of various calculated interactions in above two types of complexes, the nature of metal-ligand bonds was also studied using energy decomposition analysis-natural orbital for chemical valence calculations. The results showed that in hybrid complexes, in contrast to metallocenes, the orbital interactions are considerably larger than electrostatic interactions.

Long-Lived C60 Radical Anion Stabilized Inside an Electron-Deficient Coordination Cage

Fullerene C₆₀ and its derivatives are widely used in molecular electronics, photovoltaics, and battery materials, because of their exceptional suitability as electron acceptors. In this context, single-electron transfer on C₆₀ generates the C₆₀^• - radical anion. However, the short lifetime of free C₆₀^• - hampers its investigation and application. In this work, we dramatically stabilize the usually short-lived C₆₀^• - species within a self-assembled M₂L₄ coordination cage consisting of a triptycene-based ligand and Pd(II) cations. The electron-deficient cage strongly binds C₆₀ by providing a curved inner π-surface complementary to the fullerene's globular shape. Cyclic voltammetry revealed a positive potential shift for the first reduction of encapsulated C₆₀, which is indicative of a strong interaction between confined C₆₀^• - and the cationic cage. Photochemical one-electron reduction with 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide allows selective and quantitative conversion of the confined C₆₀ molecule in millimolar acetonitrile solution at room temperature. Radical generation was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The lifetime of C₆₀^• - within the cage was determined to be so large that it could still be detected after one month under an inert atmosphere.

Capture of Fullerenes in Cages and Rings by Forming Metal-π Bond Arene Interactions

Nowadays, the task of the selectively capture of fullerene molecules from soot is the subject of several studies. The low solubility of fullerenes represents a drawback when the goal is to purify them and to carry out chemical procedures where they participate. There are different molecules that can act as a kind of cocoon, giving shelter to the fullerene cages in such a way that they can be included in a solution or can be extracted from a mix. In this work, a theoretical study of some known and new proposed organic molecules of this kind is presented. In all cases, the interaction occurs with the help of a metallic atom or ion which plays the role of a bridge, providing a place for a metallocene like interaction to occur. The thermodynamic arguments favoring the formation of this adduct species are addressed as well as the nature of the bond by means QTAIM parameters and frontier molecular orbitals analysis.

Supramolecular Chromatographic Separation of C60 and C70 Fullerenes: Flash Column Chromatography vs. High Pressure Liquid Chromatography

A silica-bound C-butylpyrogallol[4]arene chromatographic stationary phase was prepared and characterised by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, NMR and mass spectrometry. The chromatographic performance was investigated by using C60 and C70 fullerenes in reverse phase mode via flash column and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The resulting new stationary phase was observed to demonstrate size-selective molecular recognition as postulated from our in-silico studies. The silica-bound C-butylpyrogallol[4]arene flash and HPLC stationary phases were able to separate a C60- and C70-fullerene mixture more effectively than an RP-C18 stationary phase. The presence of toluene in the mobile phase plays a significant role in achieving symmetrical peaks in flash column chromatography.

Endo- and exohedral chloro-fulleride as η5 ligands: a DFT study on the first-row transition metal complexes

C₆₀ fullerene coordinates to transition metals in η²-fashion through its C-C bond at the 6-6 ring fusion site, whereas other coordination modes η³, η⁴, η⁵ and η⁶ are rarely observed. The coordination power of C₆₀ to transition metals is weak owing to the inherent π-electron deficiency on each C-C bond as 60 electrons get delocalized over 90 bonds. The encapsulation of Cl^- by C₆₀ describes a highly exothermic reaction and the resulting Cl^-@C₆₀ behaves as a large anion. Similarly, the exohedral chloro-fulleride Cl^-C₆₀ acts as an electron-rich ligand towards metal coordination. A comparison of the coordinating ability of Cl^-@C₆₀ and Cl^-C₆₀ with that of the Cp^- ligand is done for early to late transition metals of the first row using the M06L/6-31G** level of density functional theory. The binding energy (E_b) for the formation of endohedral (Cl^-@C₆₀)(ML_n)⁺ and exohedral (Cl^-C₆₀)(ML_n)⁺ complexes by the chloro-fulleride ligands ranges from -116 to -170 kcal mol^-1 and from -111 to -173 kcal mol^-1, respectively. Variation in E_b is also assessed for the effect of solvation by o-dichlorobenzene using a self-consistent reaction field method which showed 69-88% reduction in the binding affinity owing to more stabilization of the cationic and anionic fragments in the solvent compared to the neutral product complex. For each (Cl^-@C₆₀)(ML_n)⁺ and (Cl^-C₆₀)(ML_n)⁺ complex, the energetics for the transformation to C₆₀ and ML_nCl is evaluated which showed exothermic character for all endohedral and exohedral Co(i) and Ni(ii) complexes. The rest of the exohedral complexes, viz. Sc(i), Ti(ii), Ti(iv), V(i), Cr(ii), Mn(i), Fe(ii) and Cu(i) systems showed endothermic values in the range 2-35 kcal mol^-1. The anionic modification makes the C₆₀ unit a strong η⁵ ligand similar to Cp^- for cationic transition metal fragments. The bulky anionic nature and strong coordination ability of chloro-fulleride ligands suggest new design strategies for organometallic catalysts.

Cation recognition on a fullerene-based macrocycle

Heterocyclic orifices in cage-opened fullerene derivatives are regarded as potential ligands toward metals or ions, being reminiscent of truncated fullerenes as a hypothetical class of macrocycles with spherical π-conjugation. Among a number of cage-opened examples reported thus far, the coordination ability and dynamic behavior in solution still remained unclear due to difficulties in structural determination with multiple coordination sites on the macrocycles. Herein, we present the detailed solution dynamics of a cage-opened C60 derivative bearing a diketo bis(hemiketal) moiety in the presence of alkali metal ions. The NMR spectroscopy disclosed the coordination behavior which is identified as a two-step process with a 1 : 2 stoichiometry. Upon coordination to the Li+ ion, the macrocycle largely varies its properties, i.e., increased absorption coefficients in the visible region due to weakly-allowed charge transfer transitions as well as the inner potential field from neutral to positive by the charge delocalization along with the spherical π-surface. The Li+-complexes formed in situ underwent unprecedented selective dehydroxyhydrogenation under high-pressure conditions. These findings would facilitate further studies on fullerene-based macrocycles as metal sensors, bulky ligands in organic reactions, and ion carriers in batteries and biosystems.

Fuller-Rylenes: Paving the Way for Promising Acceptors

The hybridization of different acceptors remains a fertile ground awaiting exploration, to fully promote the properties of both components. The concept of this work is to exploit a new form of fuller-rylene hybrids as promising acceptors by integrating planar rylene dye and spherical fullerene for boosting the power conversion efficiency. The synthesis of the fuller-rylenes via a straightforward synthetic strategy by one-pot Pd-catalyzed cyclization can be scaled-up. Specifically, our strategy allows the supplements and enhancement of absorption in the visible region, much wider structural and electronic variations by installing R₁ groups as well as decorating R₂ on the perylene core at will, and good processability without compromising the superior characteristics of fullerene. Thus, bay-decorated fuller-rylene S-Fuller-PMI revealed a ground-breaking efficiency as high as 8.01%, even outperforming [6,6]-phenyl-C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PC₆₁BM) as a parallel comparison (7.09%). Our exploration paves a new way for the design of high-efficiency acceptors, which are promising alternatives to PC₆₁BM in photovoltaic devices.

Dy2@C79N: a new member of dimetalloazafullerenes with strong single molecular magnetism

Enhancing the exchange interaction between magnetic ions is a long-term target in molecular magnetism. Endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) provide a possibility for achieving such a goal by imprisoning multiple magnetic centers inside the confined inner space of a fullerene cage. Here, we report a new member of dimetallic azafullerene Dy2@C79N via crystallographic determination for the first time. Magnetic studies indicate that the strong ferromagnetic coupling between lanthanide ions and unpaired electrons enables Dy2@C79N to be a favorable SMM with large energy barrier of U = 669 K and observable hysteresis loops below 24 K.

Exohedral Cuprofullerene: Sequentially Expanding Metal Olefin Up to a C60@Cu24 Rhombicuboctahedron

Exohedral cuprofullerenes with 6-, 12-, or 24-nuclearity were obtained by utilizing fluorocarboxylic/dicarboxylic acid under solvothermal conditions. The 24-nuclear molecule presents a C₆₀@Cu₂₄ core-shell structure with a rhombicuboctahedron Cu₂₄ coated on the C₆₀ core, representing the highest nuclearity in metallofullerene. The resultant complexes show an efficient absorption of visible light as opposed to the pristine C₆₀. TD-DFT calculations revealed the charge transfer from Cu(I) and O atoms to the fullerene moiety dominates the photophysical process.

Journey to the Holy Grail of a coordination saturated buckyball

A rhombicuboctahedral C₆₀@Cu₂₄ core–shell structure, a giant leap toward the Holy Grail of a coordination saturated buckyball (C₆₀) of a C₆₀@M₃₀ icosidodecahedron, was highlighted.

Hydrocarbon-soluble, hexaanionic fulleride complexes of magnesium

The reaction of the magnesium(i) complexes [{(Arnacnac)Mg}2], (Arnacnac = HC(MeCNAr)2, Ar = Dip (2,6-iPr2C6H3), Dep (2,6-Et2C6H3), Mes (2,4,6-Me3C6H2), Xyl (2,6-Me2C6H3)) with fullerene C60 afforded a series of hydrocarbon-soluble fulleride complexes [{(Arnacnac)Mg} n C60], predominantly with n = 6, 4 and 2. 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopic studies show both similarities (n = 6) and differences (n = 4, 2) to previously characterised examples of fulleride complexes and materials with electropositive metal ions. The molecular structures of [{(Arnacnac)Mg} n C60] with n = 6, 4 and 2 can be described as inverse coordination complexes of n [(Arnacnac)Mg]+ ions with C60 n- anions showing predominantly ionic metal-ligand interactions, and include the first well-defined and soluble complexes of the C60 6- ion. Experimental studies show the flexible ionic nature of the {(Arnacnac)Mg}+···C60 6- coordination bonds. DFT calculations on the model complex [{(Menacnac)Mg}6C60] (Menacnac = HC(MeCNMe)2) support the formulation as an ionic complex with a central C60 6- anion and comparable frontier orbitals to C60 6- with a small HOMO-LUMO gap. The reduction of C60 to its hexaanion gives an indication about the reducing strength of dimagnesium(i) complexes.

Graphene Supported Rhodium Nanoparticles for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Current research on catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is based on obtaining higher catalytic activity than platinum particle catalysts on porous carbon. In search of a more sustainable catalyst other than platinum for the catalytic conversion of water to hydrogen gas, a series of nanoparticles of transition metals viz., Rh, Co, Fe, Pt and their composites with functionalized graphene such as RhNPs@f-graphene, CoNPs@f-graphene, PtNPs@f-graphene were synthesized and characterized by SEM and TEM techniques. The SEM analysis indicates that the texture of RhNPs@f-graphene resemble the dispersion of water droplets on lotus leaf. TEM analysis indicates that RhNPs of <10 nm diameter are dispersed on the surface of f-graphene. The air-stable NPs and nanocomposites were used as electrocatalyts for conversion of acidic water to hydrogen gas. The composite RhNPs@f-graphene catalyses hydrogen gas evolution from water containing p-toluene sulphonic acid (p-TsOH) at an onset reduction potential, E_p, −0.117 V which is less than that of PtNPs@f-graphene (E_p, −0.380 V) under identical experimental conditions whereas the onset potential of CoNPs@f-graphene was at E_p, −0.97 V and the FeNPs@f-graphene displayed onset potential at E_p, −1.58 V. The pure rhodium nanoparticles, RhNPs also electrocatalyse at E_p, −0.186 V compared with that of PtNPs at E_p, −0.36 V and that of CoNPs at E_p, −0.98 V. The electrocatalytic experiments also indicate that the RhNPs and RhNPs@f-graphene are stable, durable and they can be recycled in several catalytic experiments after washing with water and drying. The results indicate that RhNPs and RhNPs@f-graphene are better nanoelectrocatalysts than PtNPs and the reduction potentials were much higher in other transition metal nanoparticles. The mechanism could involve a hydridic species, Rh-H⁻ followed by interaction with protons to form hydrogen gas.

A Theoretical Study on the Stability of PtL2 Complexes of Endohedral Fullerenes: The Influence of Encapsulated Ions, Cage Sizes, and Ligands

The {η²-(X@C _n )}PtL₂ complexes possessing three kinds of encapsulated ions (X = F^-, Ø, Li⁺), three various ligands (L = CO, PPh₃, NHC^Me), and twelve cage sizes (C₆₀, C₇₀, C₇₂, C₇₄, C₇₆, C₇₈, C₈₀, C₈₄, C₈₆, C₉₀, C₉₆, C₁₀₀) are theoretically examined by using the density functional theory (M06/LANL2DZ). The present computational results demonstrate that the backward-bonding orbital interactions, rather than the forward-bonding orbital interactions, play a dominant role in the stability of {η²-(X@C _n )}PtL₂ complexes. Additionally, our theoretical study shows that the presence of the encapsulated Li⁺ ion can greatly improve the stability of {η²-(X@C _n )}PtL₂ complexes, whereas the existence of the encapsulated F^- ion can heavily reduce the stability of {η²-(X@C _n )}PtL₂ complexes. Moreover, the theoretical evidence strongly suggests that the backward-bonding orbital interactions as well as the stability increase in the order {η²-(X@C _n )}Pt(CO)₂ < {η²-(X@C _n )}Pt(PPh₃)₂ < {η²-(X@C _n )}Pt(NHC^Me)₂. As a result, these theoretical observations can provide experimental chemists a promising synthetic direction.

Synthesis of Σ-Bonded [60]Fullerene Metallacycle Compound η2-Σ-C60[Moη 5-Eto2Cc5H4)(Co)2]2(Dppe) Via Reaction of K2C60 and [η 5-Eto2Cc5H4(Co)2Moi]2(Dppe)

The first σ-bonded [60]fullerene organometallic complex metallacycle η2-σ-C60[Mo(η5-EtO2CC5H4) (CO)2]2 (dppe) (dppe=Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) is synthesized by reaction of K2C60 with a new electrophile η5-EtO2CC5H4(CO)2MoI2(dppe), both of which have been characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopy.