SINGLE-CRYSTAL X-RAY STRUCTURE OF C-60.6SBPH(3) - A WELL-ORDERED STRUCTURE OF C-60 AND A NEW FULLERENE SOLVENT

Dissolution of C-60 in liquid SbPh(3) followed by slow cooling at room temperature produces a decolorized solution and well-formed dark red rhombohedrons. Determination of the structure by X-ray diffraction reveals a composition of C-60.6SbPh(3). The C-60 and the arrangement of SbPh(3) around it have 3 point symmetry. Average values and average deviations for the two types of C-60 C-C bonds are 1.383(4) and 1.453(5) Angstrom. Molecules of C-60 stack at a relatively long separation along the c direction of the crystal due to the presence of partially intervening atoms of SbPh(3) and numerous van der Waals contacts between the C-60 and phenyl rings. We believe that this solid state solvation gives rise to the orientational order of the C-60 molecule.