Electrochemical, ESR and theoretical studies of [6,6]-opened C60(CF2), cis-2-C60(CF2)2 and their anions†
Dalton Transactions Pub Date : 10/24/2008 00:00:00 , DOI:10.1039/B809957J
Abstract

Electrochemical behavior of C60(CF2)n, n= 1, 2 and C60(CCl2) has been investigated. [6,6]-Opened C60(CF2) and cis-2-C60(CF2)2 exhibit reversible reductions at potentials 150 and 145 mV more positive than C60, unlike the related [6,6]-closed C60(CCl2), which shows reduction at the potential close to that for C60. The structures, electron localization and lifetimes of the observed radical anions C60(CF2)˙ and cis-2-C60(CF2)2˙ have been elucidated by the ESR study and DFT calculations. The protonation pathway of decay of C60(CF2)˙ yields [6,6]-opened 1,9-dihydro-(1a,1a-difluoro-1aH-1(9)a-homo(C60-Ih)fullerene, C60(CF2)H2, which becomes the first characterized derivative of [6,6]-opened C60(CF2). DFT calculations of the structure and electron affinity of a number of homofullerene structures have been carried out to rationalize the experimental findings.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical, ESR and theoretical studies of [6,6]-opened C60(CF2), cis-2-C60(CF2)2 and their anions