Fullerene C₆₀ as an Endohedral Molecule within an Inorganic Supramolecule

Abstract

C60⊂[Cu26Cl26L2{Cp*Fe(η5-P5)}13(CH3CN)9] (L = H2O) represents a first example of a complete encapsulation of C60 itself by an inorganic fullerene-like system via molecular recognition of the five- and sixfold-symmetric structural motif of C60. The product exhibits an inorganic cover consisting of 99 inorganic core atoms from pentaphosphaferrocene and Cu(I) chloride building blocks. This is the first instance of a hollow structure that completely encapsulates C60. The overall spherical molecule possesses an outer diameter of 2.3 nm and shows a remarkable electronic interaction between C60 and the encapsulating giant molecule.