Scientists Create First Stable Structure of Carbon Molecule Bonded to Magnesium
Researchers have synthesized and mapped the atomic structure of a fullerene carbon cage (C70) bonded to six magnesium atoms, solving a long-standing structural puzzle. The breakthrough enables better control of how these lightweight nanomaterials transfer charges and could accelerate development of carbon-based electronics, batteries, and catalysts with precisely engineered properties.
Originaltitel: A well-defined magnesium complex of C<sub>70</sub><sup>6−</sup>
<p>Controlling and understanding charge state and metal coordination in carbon nanomaterials is crucial to harnessing their unique properties. Here we describe the synthesis of the well-defined fulleride complex [{(Mesnacnac)Mg}6C70], 2, (Mesnacnac)=HC(MeCNMes)2, Mes=2,4,6-Me3C6H2, from the reaction of the β-diketiminate magnesium(I) complex [{(Mesnacnac)Mg}2] with C70 in aromatic solvents. The molecular structure of complex 2 was determined, providing the first high-quality structural study of a complex with the C706− ion. In combination with solution state NMR spectroscopic and DFT computational studies, the changes in geometry and charge distribution in the various atom and bond types of the fulleride unit were investigated. Additionally, the influence of the (Mesnacnac)Mg+ cations on the global and local fulleride coordination environment was examined.</p>