Synthesis of Inorganic Fullerene-Like Molecules

Abstract

The reaction of [Cp*Fe(η 5 -P 5 )] with Cu(I)Cl in solvent mixtures of CH 2 Cl 2 /CH 3 CN leads to the formation of entirely inorganic fullerene-like molecules of the formula [{Cp*Fe(η 5 :η 1 :η 1 :η 1 :η 1 :η 1 -P 5 )} 12 {CuCl} 10 {Cu 2 Cl 3 } 5 {Cu(CH 3 CN) 2 } 5 ] (1) possessing 90 inorganic core atoms. This compound represents a structural motif similar to that of C 60 : cyclo -P 5 rings of [Cp*Fe(η 5 -P 5 )] molecules are surrounded by six-membered P 4 Cu 2 rings that result from the coordination of each of the phosphorus lone pairs to CuCl metal centers, which are further coordinated by P atoms of other cyclo -P 5 rings. Thus, five- and six-membered rings alternate in a manner comparable to that observed in the fullerene molecules. The so-formed half shells are joined by [Cu 2 Cl 3 ] – as well as by [Cu(CH 3 CN) 2 ] + units. The spherical body has an inside diameter of 1.25 nanometers and an outside diameter of 2.13 nanometers, which is about three times as large as that of C 60 .