Solid-state NMR studies of fullerene C-60/benzene solvates

Stable van der Waals-bonded C-60/benzene solvates were prepared using a novel crystallization technique. Solid-state NMR measurements on highly crystalline solvate under liquid benzene show that there is very little interaction between benzene and the C-60 molecules and that the rotation of C-60 at room temperature is not hindered. The magnetization transfer between benzene protons and local C-60 molecules is highly inefficient. Three benzene species have been found in the solvate: two, nearly freely mobile, in wide and narrow porous structures, and the third constrained by C-60 molecules in lattice defects. Premelting of deuterated benzene within the C-60 solvate has been observed at T-m - 10.5 K.