Iridium and Platinum Complexes of Li+@C60

Iridium and platinum complexes of the lithium cation encapsulated fullerene Li+@C60 were synthesized and structurally determined. The encapsulated Li+ strengthens the π back-bonding from the transition-metal center to the fullerene cage and is attracted toward the two negatively charged carbon atoms bound to the transition metal in the solid state.