From nano-balls to nano-bowls

Abstract

Pentaphosphaferrocene [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] in combination with Cu(I) halides is capable of a template-directed synthesis of fullerene-like spheres. Herein, we present the use of a triple decker complex as template that leads to the formation of unprecedented ‘nano-bowls’. These spherical domes resemble the truncated fullerenes I_h-C₈₀ and represent a novel spherical arrangement in the chemistry of spherical molecules.