Covalently bonded two spin centers of paramagnetic metallofullerene dimer

Paramagnetic endohedral metallofullerenes with well protected unpaired spin have potential applications in molecular-scale qubit processing and magnetoreception system. In this study, a paramagnetic metallofullerene Sc3C2@C-80 dimer with covalently bonded two spin centers was synthesized. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results further revealed the varied spin-nuclei couplings and paramagnetic property for Sc3C2@C-80 dimer. Briefly, the Sc3C2@C-80 dimer in toluene solution shows EPR hyperfine splittings originating from the spin-Sc couplings. However, the Sc3C2@C-80 dimer in solid state shows the disappearance of hyperfine structure and a single EPR signal caused by its two-spin-center structure. The transformation of EPR signals can be further finely modulated by controlling the dynamic motion of Sc3C2@C-80 dimer in chloronaphthalene. The Sc3C2@C-80 dimer with two spin centers possesses varied paramagnetic properties, demonstrating its potential as new magnetic material.

Automated summary

In this study, a paramagnetic metallofullerene Sc3C2@C-80 dimer with two spin centers was synthesized and its varied paramagnetic properties were demonstrated in different media. The modulation of EPR signals by controlling dynamic motion showed the potential for fine tuning of the material's magnetic properties. Overall, the Sc3C2@C-80 dimer represents a promising candidate for new magnetic materials with unique characteristics.