Intercalation ofO2in solidC60and molecular-rotation hindrance

Abstract
We present C13 NMR experiments performed on pure C60 crystalline powders. High resolution in the solid state on a very pure sample allows us to measure an extremely narrow (1.8-Hz linewidth) resonance at 143.6 ppm characteristic of the rotating molecule. The intercalation of O2 molecules in the fcc structure induces an additional resonance (at 144.3 ppm) whose intensity is directly related to the oxygen content. At room temperature the O2 intercalation is partially reversible. By analysis of the C13 resonance shape of this additional resonance we characterize the hindrance in the C60 rotation introduced by the intercalated species.