Formation of C76F38, C78F38, C82F44, C84F40, and C84F44

C2 Isomers of C84F40 and C84F44 Are Cuboid and Contain Benzenoid and Naphthalenoid Aromatic Patches

A 1:1 mixture of C84F40 and C84F44, both derived from the D2(IV) isomer, has been isolated from the fluorination of [84]fullerene with either MnF3 or CoF3 at 500 degrees C. The 1D and 2D COSY 19F NMR spectra showed that each derivative is cuboid, having benzenoid rings at four of the six octahedral sites; the two remaining sites have naphthalenoid rings for C84F40, and two slightly offset benzenoid rings for C84F44. The benzenoid rings each have six adjacent sp3-hybridised carbon atoms whilst the naphthalenoid moieties have eight, thus facilitating full delocalisation. In terms of the number and size of aromatic patches, C84F44 is the most aromatic fullerene derivative yet isolated.

A Prospective Overview of the Potential of Fluorofullerenes as Host Materials for Intercalation Chemistry

A theoretical survey of the ability of fluorofullerene crystals to act as host lattices for intercalation chemistry is proposed on a thermochemical basis and from the assumption that complete charge transfer between the fluorocarbon network and an electropositive intercalant species should occur upon insertion. A nearly exhaustive examination is performed throughout the fluoro[60]fullerene family, describing the influence of the intercalated element considered, stoichiometry, structural type, and fluorine content on the potential stability of an intercalated phase. Decomposition of the latter into a metal fluoride is then discussed. When extended to a general scheme, emphasizing the role played by the number of carbon atoms in the initial cluster, the present model shows that stable fluorofulleride salts may be expected to form in some cases. A final insight into the solid state properties of this class of materials, combined with a widespread range of potential applications, is provided.

Fluorinated fullerenes

Recent developments in fluorination of fullerenes coupled with HPLC separation have permitted the isolation and subsequent structural characterisation of many derivatives, a number of which have novel and unexpected structures. The good solubility of fluorofullerenes, high reactivity towards nucleophiles and enhanced dienophilicity of the unsubstituted part of the cage, as a result of electron withdrawal by the fluorines, makes fluorofullerenes promising synthons. In particular that may have enhanced performance in donor-acceptor complexes with respect to bare fullerenes.