New metallofullerenes in the size gap of C_(70) to C_(82): From La_2@C_(72) to SC_3N@C_(80)

摘要

The yield and stability of fullerenes with carbon cages in the size gap between C_(70) and C_(84) is strongly dependent on the metals included. It is shown for C_(72) and C_(74) cages that they can be stabilised by metal ion inclusion. A review is given for new fullerene structures. A number of new endohedral fullerenes were isolated and described in their optical and redox properties.New fullerene structures presented are: La_2@C_(72), Ce_2@C_(72), Eu@C_(74), Tm@C_(78), and Sc_3N@C_(80). The existence of a selected cage size and isomeric cage is discussed with respect to the metal and its redox state.