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, La₂@C₈₀ and La@C₈₂, are overviewed. A study on the photo-induced excited states of a La₂@C₈₀ derivative connected with an electron donor revealed the formation of a distinct radical ion pair state. A La@C₈₂ derivative linked with an electron donor demonstrated an unprecedented ion/anion pair state, and La₂@C₈₀ 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.