Theoretical study on the structures and electronic spectra of C120On (n=1,2)

ZINDO series calculations have been carried out to study the double‐cage oxides C₁₂₀O_n (n=1,2). The results show that the formation of a furan ring by the bridge‐bond between the two cages connected the two C₆₀ fullerene units and formed the C₁₂₀O with C_2v symmetry. C₁₂₀O₂ has two isomers with C_2v symmetry depending on either 6–6 or 6–5 connection between the two cages. Two furan rings and a pure four‐member ring form in this molecule. The formation of C₁₂₀O assuages the constraint of epoxide structure in C₆₀O, shortens the distance of the monomers, and produces some finite interaction between the two balls. More bonding in C₁₂₀O₂ shortens the distance of the two cages further and brings about stronger interaction. However, the two cages in C₁₂₀O_n (n=1,2) behave somehow independently that the electronic spectra of C₁₂₀O_n (n=1,2) are similar to those of C₆₀. The 6–6 connection isomer of C₁₂₀O₂ is more stable; its spectra are in good agreement with those of the experiment. The calculated electronic spectra of C₁₂₀O not only are in good agreement with the experiment in the ultraviolet region but also get some weak peaks in the visible region (>400 nm) not observed in experiment. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 79: 291–307, 2000