Intramolecular Electron Transfers in Donor/Acceptor Linked Molecules Based on Endohedral Lanthanide Metallofullerenes

Chemical syntheses and intramolecular electron transferring behaviors in the electron donor/acceptor conjugates based on endohedral metallofullerenes, La-2@C-80 and La@C-82, are overviewed. A study on the photo-induced excited states of a La-2@C-80 derivative connected with an electron donor revealed the formation of a distinct radical ion pair state. A La@C-82 derivative linked with an electron donor demonstrated an unprecedented ion/anion pair state, and La-2@C-80 tethered with an acceptor showed a fullerene donor system, in which the fullerene acts as an electron donor. Using endohedral lanthanide metallofullerenes for intramolecular electron transferring systems opens a new door for developing novel molecular materials.