Fullereenid

Fullereenid is a class of chemical compounds that are derived from fullerenes and incorporate anionic species. Fullerenes are a group of allotropes of carbon, the most well-known of which is buckminsterfullerene, C60, a spherical molecule resembling a soccer ball. Fullereenids are formed when one or more electrons are added to a fullerene cage, creating a negatively charged fullerene ion, often referred to as a fulleride anion. These anions are typically stabilized by counterions, such as alkali metal cations.

The electronic structure of fullerene anions is significantly different from neutral fullerenes. The added electrons occupy the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) of the fullerene cage, which are delocalized across the carbon framework. This delocalization contributes to the stability of the fullerene anion. The degree of reduction, meaning the number of electrons added to the fullerene, can vary, leading to species like C60-, C602-, C603-, and so on. The specific number of added electrons influences the structural and electronic properties of the fullereenid.

Fullereenids have garnered interest due to their unique electrical and magnetic properties. Some fullereenids exhibit superconductivity when paired with alkali metal cations, forming superconducting salts. Others display paramagnetism or form charge-transfer complexes with other molecules. These properties make them potential candidates for applications in areas such as organic electronics, battery materials, and catalysts. Research continues to explore the synthesis and properties of various fullereenid compounds and their potential technological implications.