Electronic Communication between two [10]cycloparaphenylenes and Bis(azafullerene) (C59 N)2 Induced by Cooperative Complexation

Abstract

The complex of [10]cycloparaphenylene ([10]CPP) with bis(azafullerene) (C₅₉ N)₂ is investigated experimentally and computationally. Two [10]CPP rings are bound to the dimeric azafullerene giving [10]CPP⊃(C₅₉ N)₂ ⊂[10]CPP. Photophysical and redox properties support an electronic interaction between the components especially when the second [10]CPP is bound. Unlike [10]CPP⊃C₆₀ , in which there is negligible electronic communication between the two species, upon photoexcitation a partial charge transfer phenomenon is revealed between [10]CPP and (C₅₉ N)₂ reminiscent of CPP-encapsulated metallofullerenes. Such an alternative electron-rich fullerene species demonstrates C₆₀ -like ground-state properties and metallofullerene-like excited-state properties opening new avenues for construction of functional supramolecular architectures with organic materials.

Keywords: azafullerenes; cycloparaphenylenes; photophysics; redox properties; supramolecular chemistry.