Electronic properties and 13C NMR structural study of Y3N@C88

In this paper, we report the synthesis, purification, (13)C NMR, and other characterization studies of Y(3)N@C(88). The (13)C NMR, UV-vis, and chromatographic data suggest an Y(3)N@C(88) having an IPR-allowed cage with D(2)(35)-C(88) symmetry. In earlier density functional theory (DFT) computational and X-ray crystallographic studies, it was reported that lanthanide (A(3)N)(6+) clusters are stabilized in D(2)(35)-C(88) symmetry cages and have reduced HOMO-LUMO gaps relative to other trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene cage systems, for example, A(3)N@C(80). In this paper, we report that the nonlanthanide (Y(3)N)(6+) cluster in the D(2)(35)-C(88) cage exhibits a HOMO-LUMO gap consistent with other lanthanide A(3)N@C(88) molecules based on electrochemical measurements and DFT computational studies. These results suggest that the reduced HOMO-LUMO gap of A(3)N@C(88) systems is a property dominated by the D(2)(35)-C(88) carbon cage and not f-orbital lanthanide electronic metal cluster (A(3)N)(6+) orbital participation.     

Structure, stability, and cluster-cage interactions in nitride clusterfullerenes M3N@C2n (M = Sc, Y; 2n = 68-98): a density functional theory study

Extensive semiempirical calculations of the hexaanions of IPR (isolated pentagon rule) and non-IPR isomers of C(68)-C(88) and IPR isomers of C(90)-C(98) followed by DFT calculations of the lowest energy structures were performed to find the carbon cages that can provide the most stable isomers of M(3)N@C(2n) clusterfullerenes (M = Sc, Y) with Y as a model for rare earth ions. DFT calculations of isomers of M(3)N@C(2n) (M = Sc, Y; 2n = 68-98) based on the most stable C(2n)(6-) cages were also performed. The lowest energy isomers found by this methodology for Sc(3)N@C(68), Sc(3)N@C(78), Sc(3)N@C(80), Y(3)N@C(78), Y(3)N@C(80), Y(3)N@C(84), Y(3)N@C(86), and Y(3)N@C(88) are those that have been shown to exist by single-crystal X-ray studies as Sc(3)N@C(2n) (2n = 68, 78, 80), Dy(3)N@C(80), and Tb(3)N@C(2n) (2n = 80, 84, 86, 88) clusterfullerenes. Reassignment of the carbon cage of Sc(2)@C(76) to the non-IPR Cs: 17490 isomer is also proposed. The stability of nitride clusterfullerenes was found to correlate well with the stability of the empty 6-fold charged cages. However, the dimensions of the cage in terms of its ability to encapsulate M(3)N clusters were also found to be an important factor, especially for the medium size cages and the large Y(3)N cluster. In some cases the most stable structures are based on the different cage isomers for Sc(3)N and Y(3)N clusters. Up to the cage size of C(84), non-IPR isomers of C(2n)(6-) and M(3)N@C(2n) were found to compete with or to be even more stable than IPR isomers. However, the number of adjacent pentagon pairs in the most stable non-IPR isomers decreases as cage size increases: the most stable M(3)N@C(2n) isomers have three such pairs for 2n = 68-72, two pairs for n = 74-80, and only one pair for n = 82, 84. For C(86) and C(88) the lowest energy IPR isomers are much more stable than any non-IPR isomer. The trends in the stability of the fullerene isomers and the cluster-cage binding energies are discussed, and general rules for stability of clusterfullerenes are established. Finally, the high yield of M(3)N@C(80) (Ih) clusterfullerenes for any metal is explained by the exceptional stability of the C(80)(6-) (Ih: 31924) cage, rationalized by the optimum distribution of the pentagons leading to the minimization of the steric strain, and structural similarities of C(80) (Ih: 31924) with the lowest energy non-IPR isomers of C(760(6-), C(78)(6-), C(82)(6-), and C(84)(6-) pointed out.     

The electronic and vibrational structure of endohedral Tm3N@C80 (I) fullerene--proof of an encaged Tm3+

The electronic and vibrational structure of the nitride clusterfullerene Tm3N@C80 (I) was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, FTIR, Raman, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The electrochemical energy gap of Tm3N@C80 (I) is 1.99 V, which is 0.13 V larger than that of Sc3N@C80 (I). FTIR spectroscopy showed that the C80:7 (I(h)) cages in Tm3N@C80 (I), Er3N@C80 (I), Ho3N@C80 (I), Tb3N@C80 (I), Gd3N@C80 (I), and Y3N@C80 (I) have the same bond order. The analysis of low-energy Raman spectra points to two uniform force constants which can be used to describe the interaction between the encaged nitride cluster and the C80:7 (I(h)) cage in M3N@C80 (I) (M = Tm, Er, Ho, Tb, Gd, and Y). Because the M3N-C80 bond strength is strongly dependent on the charge of the metal ions, this is a direct hint for a 3+ formal valence state of the metal ions in these nitride clusterfullerene series, including Tm3N@C80 (I). Photoemission spectra of the Tm 4d core level and the Tm 4f valence electrons provided a direct proof for a (4f)12 electronic configuration of the encapsulated thulium. In conclusion, thulium in Tm3N@C80 (I) has a formal electronic ground state of +3, in contrast to the +2 state found in Tm@C82. It is demonstrated that the valence state of metal atoms encaged in fullerenes can be controlled by the chemical composition of the endohedral fullerene.     

Poly(perfluoroalkylation) of metallic nitride fullerenes reveals addition-pattern guidelines: synthesis and characterization of a family of Sc3N@C80(CF3)n (n = 2-16) and their radical anions

A family of highly stable (poly)perfluoroalkylated metallic nitride cluster fullerenes was prepared in high-temperature reactions and characterized by spectroscopic (MS, (19)F NMR, UV-vis/NIR, ESR), structural and electrochemical methods. For two new compounds, Sc(3)N@C(80)(CF(3))(10) and Sc(3)N@C(80)(CF(3))(12,) single crystal X-ray structures are determined. Addition pattern guidelines for endohedral fullerene derivatives with bulky functional groups are formulated as a result of experimental ((19)F NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction) studies and exhaustive quantum chemical calculations of the structures of Sc(3)N@C(80)(CF(3))(n) (n = 2-16). Electrochemical studies revealed that Sc(3)N@C(80)(CF(3))(n) derivatives are easier to reduce than Sc(3)N@C(80), the shift of E(1/2) potentials ranging from +0.11 V (n = 2) to +0.42 V (n = 10). Stable radical anions of Sc(3)N@C(80)(CF(3))(n) were generated in solution and characterized by ESR spectroscopy, revealing their (45)Sc hyperfine structure. Facile further functionalizations via cycloadditions or radical additions were achieved for trifluoromethylated Sc(3)N@C(80) making them attractive versatile platforms for the design of molecular and supramolecular materials of fundamental and practical importance.     

Charge controlled changes in the cluster and spin dynamics of Sc3N@C80(CF3)2: the flexible spin density distribution and its impact on ESR spectra

Cluster and spin dynamics of a Sc(3)N@C(80)(CF(3))(2) derivative are studied by DFT in different charge states, from -3 to +1. For the neutral Sc(3)N@C(80)(CF(3))(2), static DFT computations of many cluster conformers as well as Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) show that addition of two CF(3) groups to Sc(3)N@C(80) significantly changes dynamics of the Sc(3)N cluster: instead of free rotation as in Sc(3)N@C(80), the cluster in Sc(3)N@C(80)(CF(3))(2) exhibits only hindered motions. Similar cluster dynamics is found in the mono- and trianions of Sc(3)N@C(80)(CF(3))(2), while free rotation of the cluster is found in the cation. In the radical species, motions of the cluster dramatically change spin-density distribution. Spin populations of the metal atoms and the carbon cage are followed along the BOMD trajectories to reveal the details of the spin-flow. (45)Sc ESR hyperfine coupling constants integrated over BOMD trajectories are found to be substantially different from the results of static DFT computations, which emphasizes that cluster dynamics should be taken into account for reliable predictions of spectroscopic properties.     

Pyramidalization of Gd3N inside a C80 cage. The synthesis and structure of Gd3N@C80

The X-ray crystal structure of Gd(3)N@C(80).Ni(II)(OEP).1.5(benzene) shows that the Gd(3)N unit within the I(h) C(80) cage is pyramidal, whereas Sc(3)N@C(80), Sc(3)N@C(78), Sc(3)N@C(68), Lu(3)N@C(80) and Sc(2)ErN@C(80) have planar M(3)N units.     

Charged states of Sc3N@C68: an in situ spectroelectrochemical study of the radical cation and radical anion of a non-IPR fullerene

The redox behavior of Sc 3N@C 68 is studied systematically by means of electrochemistry, in situ ESR/Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry, and detailed theoretical treatment. Formation of the negatively and positively charged paramagnetic species for the same trimetallic nitride endohedral fullerene is demonstrated for the first time. The electrochemical study of Sc 3N@C 68 exhibits two electrochemically irreversible but chemically reversible reduction steps and two reversible oxidation steps. A double-square reaction scheme is proposed to explain the observed redox reaction at cathodic potentials involving the reversible dimerisation of the Sc 3N@C 68 monoanion. The spin state of the radical cation and the radical anion is probed by ESR spectroscopy, indicating that in both states, the large part of the unpaired spin is delocalized on the fullerene cage. The charged states of the non-isolated pentagon rule fullerene are characterized furthermore by in situ absorption spectroscopy. The interpretation of experimental data is supported by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the spin distribution in the anion and cation radicals of Sc 3N@C 68 and time-dependent DFT calculations of the absorption spectra of the charged species.     

Charge-induced reversible rearrangement of endohedral fullerenes: electrochemistry of tridysprosium nitride clusterfullerenes Dy3N@C2n (2n=78, 80)

The electrochemistry of three new clusterfullerenes Dy3N@C2n (2n=78, 80), namely two isomers of Dy3N@C80 (I and II) as well as Dy3N@C78 (II), have been studied systematically including their redox-reaction mechanism. The cyclic voltammogram of Dy3N@C80 (I) (Ih) exhibits two electrochemically irreversible but chemically reversible reduction steps and one reversible oxidation step. Such a redox pattern is quite different from that of Sc3N@C80 (I), and this can be understood by considering the difference in the charge transfer from the encaged cluster to the cage. A double-square reaction scheme is proposed to explain the observed redox-reaction behavior, which involves the charge-induced reversible rearrangement of the Dy3N@C80 (I) monoanion. The first oxidation potential of Dy3N@C80 (II) (D5h) has a negative shift of 290 mV relative to that of Dy3N@C80 (I) (Ih), indicating that lowering the molecular symmetry of the clusterfullerene cage results in a prominent increase in the electron-donating property. The first and second reduction potentials of Dy3N@C78 (II) are negatively shifted relative to those of Dy3N@C80 (I, II), pointing to the former's lowered electron-accepting ability. The significant difference in the electrochemical energy gaps of Dy3N@C80 (I), Dy3N@C80 (II), and Dy3N@C78 (II) is consistent with the difference in their optical energy gaps.     

Unexpected chemical and electrochemical properties of M3N@C80 (M = Sc, Y, Er)

The unexpected isomerization of N-ethyl [6,6]-pyrrolidino-Y3N@C80 to the [5,6] regioisomer is reported, as well as the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical analysis of Er3N@C80 derivatives. A complete electrochemical study of the M3N@C80 species (M = Sc, Y, Er) and their derivatives is presented. We introduce electrochemistry as a new tool in the characterization of the [5,6] and [6,6] regioisomers of trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerenes.     

Tunable charge-transport properties of I(h)-C80 endohedral metallofullerenes: investigation of La2@C80, Sc3N@C80, and Sc3C2@C80

Fullerene crystals or films have drawn much interest because they are good candidates for use in the construction of electronic devices. The results of theoretical calculations revealed that the conductivity properties of I(h)-C(80) endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) vary depending on the encapsulated metal species. We experimentally investigated the solid-state structures and charge-carrier mobilities of I(h)-C(80) EMFs La(2)@C(80), Sc(3)N@C(80), and Sc(3)C(2)@C(80). The thin film of Sc(3)C(2)@C(80) exhibits a high electron mobility μ = 0.13 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) under normal temperature and atmospheric pressure, as determined using flash-photolysis time-resolved microwave conductivity measurements. This electron mobility is 2 orders of magnitude higher than the mobility of La(2)@C(80) or Sc(3)N@C(80).     

Gadolinium-based mixed-metal nitride clusterfullerenes Gd(x)Sc(3-x)N@C80 (x=1, 2).

The first gadolinium-based mixed-metal nitride clusterfullerenes Gd(x)Sc(3-x)N@C(80) (I) (1, x=2; 2, x=1) have been successfully synthesized by the reactive gas atmosphere method and isolated facilely by recycling high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The sum yield of 1 and 2 is 30-40 times higher than that of Gd(3)N@C(80) (I). Moreover, an enhanced relative yield of 2 over the Sc(3)N@C(80) (I) is achieved under the optimized synthesis conditions. According to the UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopic characterization, 1 and 2 are both stable fullerenes with large optical band-gaps while 1 has higher similarity to Gd(3)N@C(80) (I) and 2 resembles Sc(3)N@C(80) (I). The vibrational structures of 1 and 2 are studied by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as density functional theory (DFT) computations. In particular, the structures of the encaged Gd(x)Sc(3-x)N clusters within 1 and 2 are analyzed.     

A facile route to the non-IPR fullerene Sc3N@C68: synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and density functional theory computations (IPR=isolated pentagon rule)

Owing to the unique feature of the non-IPR D3 (isomer 6140) C68 cage (IPR=isolated pentagon rule), Sc3N@C68 has been attracting great interest in the fullerene community. Herein we report the first high-yield synthesis of Sc3N@C68 by the "reactive gas atmosphere" method and its facile isolation by single-step HPLC to a high purity (>or=99 %). Thus, Sc3N@C68 is isolated in sufficient quantities for its further spectroscopic characterization, while the high purity of the sample ensures the reliability of the spectroscopic data obtained. In particular, the electronic and vibrational structures of Sc3N@C68 were studied in detail experimentally and by theoretical computations. The assignment of the observed absorption bands to particular electronic transitions is given in detail on the basis of time-dependent DFT computations. Vibrational spectroscopy of Sc3N@C68 reveals good agreement between the measured spectra and the theoretically calculated spectra. A detailed assignment of the vibrational modes, including the Sc3N cluster modes, cage modes, and vibrations of the adjacent pentagons are discussed. This study reveals that the effect of Sc3N encapsulation in the cage is much more complicated than just a formal transfer of six electrons. Consequently the electronic and vibrational spectra of the carbon cage in Sc3N@C68 cannot be adequately understood on the basis of a C68 (6-) cage alone.     

The isomers of gadolinium scandium nitride clusterfullerenes GdxSc3-xN@C(80) (x=1, 2) and their influence on cluster structure

The isomers of gadolinium scandium mixed-metal nitride clusterfullerenes GdxSc3-xN@C(80) [x=2 (1, 4); x=1 (2, 5)] have been synthesized by the "reactive gas atmosphere" method and isolated facilely by recycling HPLC. The yield of GdxSc3-xN@C80 (I, II) (x=1, 2) relative to the homogenous clusterfullerenes Sc3N@C80 [I (3), II (6)] was determined. According to the UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopic data, 1, 2, 4, and 5 are all stable fullerenes with large optical gaps. Fullerene 1 has greater similarity to Gd3N@C80 (I) and 2 seems to resemble Sc3N@C80 (I). The quite similar overall absorption features of 4 and 5 suggest pronounced similarity in electronic structure. Vibrational spectroscopic studies led to the assignment of the cage symmetries of GdxSc3-xN@C80 (I, II), that is, Ih for 1, 2 and D5h for 4, 5. The cluster-cage interactions in GdxSc3-xN@C80 (I, II) were analyzed by means of the low-energy Raman lines. The splitting of the metal-nitrogen stretching vibrational mode in GdxSc3-xN@C80 (I, II) was studied in detail. Scalar-relativistic DFT calculations were performed to reveal the geometry parameters and the magnetic state of the GdxSc3-xN@C80 (I, II) molecules.     

Gd3N@C2n (n = 40, 42, and 44): remarkably low HOMO-LUMO gap and unusual electrochemical reversibility of Gd3N@C88

High-performance liquid chromatography was used to isolate two new trimetallic nitride endohedral fullerenes, Gd3N@C2n (n = 42 and 44), and they were characterized by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, UV-vis-NIR, and cyclic voltammetry. It was found that their electronic HOMO-LUMO gaps depend pronouncedly on the size of the cage, from a large band gap for Gd3N@C80 (2.02 V) to a small band gap for Gd3N@C88 (1.49 V). The electrochemical properties also change dramatically with the size of the cage, going from irreversible for the C80 cage to reversible for Gd3N@C88. The latter is the largest trimetallic cluster inside C88 isolated and characterized to date. Gd3N@C88 has one of the lowest electrochemical energy gaps for a nonderivatized metallofullerene.     

C78 cage isomerism defined by trimetallic nitride cluster size: a computational and vibrational spectroscopic study

Molecular structures of Dy(3)N@C(78) and Tm(3)N@C(78) clusterfullerenes are addressed by the IR and Raman vibrational spectroscopic studies and density functional theory (DFT) computations. First, extensive semiempirical calculations of 2927 isomers of C(78) hexaanions followed by DFT optimization were applied to establish their relative stability. Then, DFT calculations of a series of M(3)N@C(78) (M = Sc, Y, Lu, La) isomers were performed which have shown that the stability order of the isomers depends on the cluster size. While the Sc(3)N cluster is planar in the earlier reported Sc(3)N@C(78) (D(3)h: 24,109) clusterfullerenes, relatively large Y(3)N and Lu(3)N clusters would be forced to be pyramidal inside this cage, which would result in their destabilization. Instead, these clusters remain planar in the nonisolated pentagon rule (non-IPR) C(2): 22,010 isomer making Y(3)N@C(78) and Lu(3)N@C(78) clusterfullerenes with this cage structure the most stable ones. Finally, on the basis of a detailed analysis of their IR and Raman spectra supplemented with DFT vibrational calculations, the recently isolated Tm(3)N@C(78) and the major isomer of Dy(3)N@C(78) are assigned to the non-IPR C(2): 22,010 cage structure. A detailed assignment of their experimental and computed IR and Raman spectra is provided to support this conclusion and to exclude other cage isomers.     

Lanthanum nitride endohedral fullerenes La3N@C2n (43 <or= n <or= 55): preferential formation of La3N@C96

While the trimetallic nitrides of Sc, Y and the lanthanides between Gd and Lu preferentially template C(80) cages, M(3)N@C(80), and while those of Ce, Pr and Nd preferentially template the C(88) cage, M(3)N@C(88), we show herein that the largest metallic nitride cluster, La(3)N, preferentially leads to the formation of La(3)N@C(96) and to a lesser extent the La(3)N@C(88). This is the first time that La(3)N is successfully encapsulated inside fullerene cages. La(3)N@C(2n) metallofullerenes were synthesized by arcing packed graphite rods in a modified Kr?tschmer-Huffman arc reactor, extracted from the collected soot and identified by mass spectroscopy. They were isolated and purified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Different arcing conditions were studied to maximize fullerene production, and results showed that yields have a high La(2)O(3)/C dependence. Relatively high yields were obtained when a 1:5 ratio was used. Three main fractions, La(3)N@C(88), La(3)N@C(92), and La(3)N@C(96), were characterized by UV/Vis-NIR and cyclic voltammetry. Unlike other trimetallic nitride metallofullerenes of the same carbon cage size, La(3)N@C(88) exhibits a higher HOMO-LUMO gap and irreversible reduction and oxidation steps.     

Electron attachment to higher fullerenes and to Sc3N@C80

We report on attachment of free electrons to fullerenes C(n) (n = 60, 70, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86) and to Sc(3)N@C(80). The attachment cross sections exhibit a strong resonance at 0 eV for all species. The overall shape of the anion yield versus electron energy is quite similar for the higher fullerenes, with a minimum around 1 eV and a maximum which gradually shifts from 6 eV for C(60) to approximately 4 eV for large n. The endohedral Sc(3)N@C(80) exhibits a particularly shallow minimum and a maximum below 4 eV. We model autoionization of the anions with due consideration of the internal energy distributions. The relatively low electron affinity of Sc(3)N@C(80) is reflected in its reduced ion yield at higher attachment energies.     

Synthesis, isolation, and spectroscopic characterization of holmium-based mixed-metal nitride clusterfullerenes: HoxSc3-xN@C80 (x=1, 2)

The synthesis, isolation and spectroscopic characterization of holmium-based mixed metal nitride clusterfullerenes Ho(x) Sc(3-x) N@C(80) (x=1, 2) are reported. Two isomers of Ho(x) Sc(3-x) N@C(80) (x=1, 2) were synthesized by the reactive gas atmosphere method and isolated by multistep recycling HPLC. The isomeric structures of Ho(x) Sc(3-x) N@C(80) (x=1, 2) were characterized by laser-desorption time-of-flight (LD-TOF) mass spectrometry and UV/Vis/NIR, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. A comparative study of M(x) Sc(3-x) N@C(80) (M=Gd, Dy, Lu, Ho) demonstrates the dependence of their electronic and vibrational properties on the encaged metal. Despite the distinct perturbation induced by 4f(10) electrons, we report the first paramagnetic (13) C?NMR study on Ho(x) Sc(3-x) N@C(80) (I; x=1, 2) and confirm I(h) -symmetric cage structure. A (45) Sc NMR study on HoSc(2) N@C(80) (I, II) revealed a temperature-dependent chemical shift in the temperature range of 268-308?K.     

Size effect of fullerene cages and encaged clusters in M_3N@C_(2n)

Based on the calculated findings that the sizes of encaged clusters determine the structures and the stability of C80-based trimetallic nitride fullerenes (TNFs), more extensive density functional theory calculations were performed on M3N@C68, M3N@C78 and M3N@C80 (M=Sc, Y and La). The calculated results demonstrated that the structures and stability undergo a transition with the increasing of the sizes of the cages and clusters. Sc3N is planar inside the three considered cages, Y3N is slightly pyramidal ins...     

Trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerenes: reactivity dictated by the encapsulated metal cluster

The first derivatives of Y(3)N@C(80) have been synthesized and fully characterized. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of N-ethylazomethine ylide yielded mainly the pyrrolidine monoadduct of the icosahedral (I(h)()) symmetry cage exclusively at a [6,6] double bond. The same regioselectivity on a [6,6] double bond was observed when the endohedral compound was cyclopropanated with diethyl bromomalonate. These results are in pronounced contrast to those observed for icosahedral symmetry Sc(3)N@C(80), for which all reported derivatives add completely regioselectively to [5,6] double bonds. (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and HMQC spectroscopy revealed that the addition pattern on Y(3)N@C(80) resulted in a pyrrolidinofullerene derivative with unsymmetric pyrrolidine carbons and symmetric geminal protons. The cyclopropanated monoadduct exhibited symmetric ethyl groups on the malonate, consistent with regioselective addition at a [6,6] double bond. Attempts to perform the same cyclopropanation reaction on (I(h)()) Sc(3)N@C(80) failed to yield any identifiable products. These observations clearly indicate that the reactivity of trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerenes toward exohedral chemical functionalization is profoundly affected and effectively controlled by the nature of the endohedral metal cluster.