Synthesis and UHV-STM observation of the Td-symmetric Lu metallofullerene: Lu2@C76(Td)

Abstract

The first T_d-symmetric lutetium metallofullerene, Lu₂@C₇₆, has been synthesized, isolated, and characterized. Because of the charge transfer from the encapsulated Lu atoms to the T_d-C₇₆ fullerene cage, the otherwise unstable T_d-C₇₆ fullerene can be significantly stabilized as a Lu₂@C₇₆ fullerene. Both STM and STS results are consistent with a charge state of (Lu₂)⁶⁺@C₇₆⁶⁻(T_d).