Formation of a Curved Silver Nitrate Network That Conforms to the Shape of C60 and Encapsulates the Fullerene—Structural Characterization of C60{Ag(NO3)}5

Abstract

Cocrystallization of a fullerene and an ionic component has been observed for the first time. Dark red, nearly black crystals of C60{Ag(NO3)}5 (a section of the crystal structure is shown) form when solutions of C60 in benzene and Ag(NO3) in ethanol are mixed. The silver nitrate portion forms a zeolite-like network, in which rounded cavities are formed that are occupied by the fullerene molecules. Despite the good solubility of silver nitrate, C60{Ag(NO3)}5 is stable when immersed in water for several hours.