Metallocarbohedrenes: a new class of molecular clusters with cage structure

Abstract

The chemistry of a new class of molecular clusters having closed cage structure, called metallocarbohedrenes or metcars, is described. These molecules of general formula M8C12, where M is a metal, were discovered in mass spectrometry experiments. By reacting laser-evaporated metal with hydrocarbons and cooling the reacton mixture in an inert atmosphere of helium, a number of metcar ions containing Ti, V, Hf, Zr, Mo, Cr and F e have been produced by different workers. The chemistry of these ions is gradually unfolding with several groups putting efforts in experimental and theoretical studies.