Synthesis and UHV-STM observation of the Td-symmetric Lu metallofullerene: Lu2@C76(Td)

Abstract

The first T(d)-symmetric lutetium metallofullerene, Lu(2)@C(76), has been synthesized, isolated, and characterized. Because of the charge transfer from the encapsulated Lu atoms to the T(d)-C(76) fullerene cage, the otherwise unstable T(d)-C(76) fullerene can be significantly stabilized as a Lu(2)@C(76) fullerene. Both STM and STS results are consistent with a charge state of (Lu(2))(6+)@C(76)(6-)(T(d)).