Superatomic-based chirality: Asymmetric structures constructed by superatoms

Abstract

Chirality is one of the fundamental properties of molecules traditionally constructed from atoms. Here, we report for the first time the successful construction of asymmetric chiral structures utilizing highly symmetric endohedral metallofullerene superatoms based on their own bonding properties. Specifically, stable mirror-symmetric sinister and rectus structures are obtained by selecting a superatom capable of forming four chemical bonds as the chiral center. Further analysis shows that the chiral vibration frequency of superatomic assemblies can be as low as a few wavenumbers, which greatly expands the range of chiral spectra compared to atom-based molecules. We term this type of chirality based on superatoms as “superatomic-based chirality”. It is anticipated that this work will significantly expand the variety of chiral structures at the atomic level.

Keywords

assembly / atomic level / chirality / superatom