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

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Mar 2;133(8):2672-90. doi: 10.1021/ja109462j. Epub 2011 Feb 4.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Anions / chemistry
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Fluorocarbons / chemistry*
  • Free Radicals / chemistry
  • Fullerenes / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nitriles / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Scandium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anions
  • Fluorocarbons
  • Free Radicals
  • Fullerenes
  • Nitriles
  • Polymers
  • Scandium