Investigation of Gd 2 @C 90 , Gd 2 C 2 @C 92 , and Gd 2 @C 79 N by Raman Spectroscopy

The structure and vibrational spectrum of Gd2 and Gd2C2 endofullerenes are studied through Raman spectroscopy and universal force field (UFF) calculations. Hindered rotations, shown by both theory and experiment, indicate the formation of a Gd–cage bond, which reduces the ideal symmetry of the cage. We have conducted Raman studies of Gd2@C90, Gd2@C79N, and Gd2C2@C92. We have also studied Y2C2@C92 for comparison. Several modes have been identified which provide information about the endohedral complex.