Regioisomeric core-shell cuprofullerene C₆₀@Cu₂₄

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Nanomaterials Science
• Coordination Chemistry

Background:

• Controlled synthesis of high-nuclear regioisomeric core-shell exohedral metallofullerenes (ExMFs) remains a significant challenge in materials science.
• Existing methods often lack precision in controlling the nuclearity and regiochemistry of ExMFs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel synthetic strategy for producing regioisomeric core-shell cuprofullerene C60@CuI24.
• To explore the formation of a 3-D coordination polymer based on this novel ExMF structure.

Main Methods:

• Utilized heteroleptic ligands to direct the controlled self-assembly of copper ions around a C60 fullerene core.
• Employed advanced characterization techniques to confirm the structure and regiochemistry of the synthesized ExMFs and the coordination polymer.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized regioisomeric core-shell cuprofullerene C60@CuI24 with precise control over nuclearity.
• Established a 3-D coordination polymer structure derived from the synthesized ExMFs.
• Achieved high yields of the target regioisomeric ExMFs.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a viable route for the controlled synthesis of high-nuclear regioisomeric ExMFs.
• This work opens new avenues for designing complex ExMF-based supramolecular architectures and functional materials.