LETTERS Inelastic Neutron-Scattering Study of the Intramolecular Vibrations of the C ~ O Fullerene

The vibrational spectrum of C70 has been measured by inelastic neutron scattering a t 20 K. It closely resembles the spectrum of C ~ O extending smoothly from 26 to 195 meV and reflecting the close bonding similarities between the two hollow carbon cages. Satisfactory agreement with a QCFF/PI model of the C ~ O vibrations is found. Following the recent isolation and separation of fullerenes,’ research on their novel properties is currently progressing very fast, with a considerable body of experimental and theoretical data rapidly accumulating. Of particular interest has been the experimental information obtained by infrared, Ramah2 and neutron3 spectroscopic techniques on the intramolecular vibra-tional modes of Cb0. Such information has not only proven invaluable in advancing our knowledge of thevibrational dynamics of these spherical carbon clusters4 but also contributed enormously to our understanding of the mechanism responsible for super-conductivity in alkali fullerides with stoichiometry A3C60.5s6 Thus