Metallofullerene

In chemistry, a metallofullerene is a molecule composed of a metal atom trapped inside a fullerene cage.

Simple metallofullerenes consist of a fullerene cage, typically C
₈₀, with one or two metal atoms trapped inside. Recently, research has produced metallofullerenes that enclose small clusters of atoms, such as Sc
₃N@C
₈₀, Y
₃N@C
₈₀, and Sc
₃C
₂@C
₈₀. The '@' symbol in the formula indicates that the atom(s) are encapsulated inside the cage, rather than being chemically bonded to it.

Fullerenes in a variety of sizes have been found to encapsulate metal atoms in this way.

Medical applications

One particular metallofullerene with gadolinium at its core is up to 40 times better as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging scans for diagnostic imaging.^{[citation needed]} Metallofullerenes may also provide ways to carry therapeutic radioactive ions to cancerous tissue.^[1][2]

See also

• Endohedral fullerene