Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Researchers identified a three-centre, single-electron bond linking three dysprosium atoms inside a fullerene cage. In a 2021 study, single-crystal X-ray diffraction established the unusual arrangement of the atoms, while density-functional-theory calculations supported the interpretation of its bonding. The result is a finding in molecular chemistry, not a consumer technology.

What molecule did the researchers make?

Fei Jin and colleagues synthesized and isolated Dy₃C₂@Ih(7)-C₈₀: a cluster containing three dysprosium atoms and two carbon atoms enclosed inside an 80-carbon fullerene cage. The notation places the encapsulated Dy₃C₂ cluster before the @ sign and identifies the cage after it.

The preparation used arc discharge of a graphite and Dy₂O₃ mixture. The researchers then isolated the fullerene by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and co-crystallized it with a corannulene-based host, as reported by Chemistry World.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What did the crystal structure show?

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) determined the molecule’s atomic arrangement. The Dy₃C₂ cluster takes what the authors call a “bat ray” configuration: the two-carbon C₂ unit sits above a triangle formed by the three dysprosium atoms.

#1 Best Overall
LINKTOR Chemistry Molecular Model Kit (444 Pieces), Student or Teacher Set for Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Learning, Motivate Enthusiasm for Learning and Raising Space Imagination, A Fullerene Set
  • FOR BASIC TEACHING TO ADVANCED SCIENCE: 444 pieces molecular model kit, including 136 atoms, 158 bonds and 150 parts for Carbon-60(Fullerene), provides to students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
  • TWO CHEMICAL STRUCTURE MODELS: The ball-and-stick models use spheres to represent atoms and sticks to represent chemical bonds. In the space-filling model, the spheres are drawn to scale and are next to one another as atoms are in real molecules.
  • CHEMISTRY EDUCATIONAL MOLECULE MODEL IN 3D: It can display chemical structure, molecular bond, and bond angle in all directions. Demonstrate fundamental molecular geometry, chemical molecular structure, stereochemistry with 3D modeling studies.
  • EASY TO LEARN: The universal standard adopted for each atom's color makes it easier for you to use and learn. Atoms and chemical bonds combine tightly and firmly and can be easily disassembled by disconnecting tools.
  • If you’re not in love with it for whatever reason, we’ll give you a full replacement or refund—no questions asked. If you have any doubt, please tell us. With nothing to worry about, or even to share with your friends, try it now.
  • The C₂ unit is approximately 1.66 Å above the plane of the Dy₃ triangle.
  • The reported Dy–Dy separations are approximately 3.4 Å.

These are measurements reported for this particular molecule in Jin et al.’s 2021 Chemical Science paper; they are not general dimensions for fullerene cages. The authors describe the structure in the paper as showing that the encapsulated cluster adopts a “bat ray configuration” (Royal Society of Chemistry article).

How did the authors identify the three-centre bond?

The diffraction experiment determined the positions and geometry of the atoms. It did not directly image a bond or establish how the electrons were distributed. For that interpretation, the authors used density-functional-theory (DFT) calculations to analyze the electronic structure.

Rank #2
Molecular Model Kit(240 Pieces),Organic Chemistry Model Kit for Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Learning,Chemistry Set,A Fullerene Set
  • Easy to Understand: This molecular model is extremely helpful for both teachers and students. It sparks kids' interest in chemistry by turning invisible molecular and atomic shapes into something tangible. This makes it easier for children to grasp molecular geometry and serves as a fantastic hands-on learning tool!
  • Great for Teaching Science at All Levels: With 240 pieces, including 86 atoms and 154 bonds, this kit caters to students from 7th grade up to the graduate level.
  • Made from Safe Materials: All models are constructed from food - grade, eco - friendly plastics, including new PP plastic for atom balls, LDPE plastic for link bonds, and ABS plastic for the box.
  • 3D Chemical Teaching Molecular Model: It can display chemical structures, molecular bonds, and bond angles in various directions. Use it to demonstrate basic molecular geometry, chemical structures, and stereochemistry through 3D modeling.
  • Two Types of Chemical Structure Models: The ball - and - stick model uses balls for atoms and sticks for bonds. In the space - filling model, balls are proportionally sized and positioned close to each other, mimicking how atoms are arranged in real molecules.

Their analysis describes a formal charge distribution of (Dy₃)⁸⁺(C₂)²⁻@C₈₀⁶⁻ and identifies a singly occupied molecular orbital with bonding character shared across Dy–Dy–Dy. The authors interpret this orbital as a three-centre single-electron metal–metal bond and report it as the first such motif in molecular lanthanide chemistry.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

“Caught in a cage” therefore describes the context that stabilizes the unusual cluster, not a bond seen directly in an X-ray image. The structural evidence comes from SC-XRD; the bond assignment is an electronic-structure interpretation supported by DFT. The paper’s supporting information and crystallographic-data listing are available through the publisher record.

Rank #3
NINGOO Organic Chemistry Model Kit,404 PCS,for Students&Teacher
  • Visualize Chemical Concepts: Assemble parts to form complete molecules for easy understanding of molecular structure
  • Supports Ball-and-Stick Model &Space-Filling Model: Modeling needs based on instructional needs,Easily understand the spatial relationships between molecules
  • Install with Confidence: Recessed design for easy installation and removal. Robust atoms and resilient links ensure a long product life.
  • Easy to Carry: Safety lock design,Organize by compartment.Easy to carry between home, school, lab, exam room
  • Comprehensive content:Set contains 100 Atoms&153 Links&150 Fullerene Model Parts.Essential set for in-depth study of molecular modeling in organic & inorganic chemistry.

How does the dysprosium cluster compare with the scandium analogue?

The paper compares Dy₃C₂@Ih(7)-C₈₀ with the analogous Sc₃C₂@Ih(7)-C₈₀ cluster. The authors report different formal charge assignments and different metal–metal bonding interpretations:

Cluster inside Ih(7)-C₈₀ Formal charge distribution reported by the authors Metal–metal bonding interpretation
Dy₃C₂ (Dy₃)⁸⁺(C₂)²⁻@C₈₀⁶⁻ A singly occupied orbital with Dy–Dy–Dy bonding character; interpreted as a three-centre single-electron bond
Sc₃C₂ (Sc₃)⁹⁺(C₂)³⁻@C₈₀⁶⁻ The authors report no metal–metal bonding in this case

This is a focused comparison between the two clusters discussed in the study, not a general rule about all lanthanide or metal-containing fullerenes. The authors also report that electrochemical changes to the population of the Dy–Dy–Dy-bonding orbital can yield ionic species with strengthened or weakened Dy–Dy bonds. Those are findings about the molecular system, not demonstrations of a technological application.

Rank #4
SOUJOY 444 Pcs Chemistry Molecular Model for Building Organic and Inorganic Structures, 3D Visual Science Learning Set with Atoms Bonds, Links and Short Link Remover Tool for Students, Teachers
  • Package: Include 444 pieces chemistry molecular model kit, including 132 atoms, 158 bonds and 150 parts for Carbon-60(Fullerene), you can now understand 3D complex molecule structures
  • High Quality Material: SOUJOY Chemistry model kit is made of high quality PP and LDPE to manufacture, feel smooth, no scraps or cutting edges from the holes, easy to remove and put on
  • 3D Visual Active Learning: This organic and inorganic model kit is designed for easy chemistry learning for organic, inorganic, ochem and functional groups, you can now understand 3D complex molecule structures with ease by building your favorite molecules with them
  • Perfect Gift for Learning: Our chemistry kit is modeling simple and small to more advanced and complex chemical structures for schools and college level, students of all ages, researchers and enthusiasts
  • Easy to Storage: The atom parts and links are color coded to national standards for ease of identification, and the pieces come in a slim plastic box for convenient storage
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why does the cage matter?

The C₈₀ cage encloses the reactive metal-carbide cluster, providing a molecular setting in which the unusual arrangement and electronic structure can be studied. The study’s significance is the reported bonding motif and its contrast with the scandium analogue. The cited sources establish a specialized synthesized research molecule and its characterization; they do not establish a consumer product or practical application.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
RELIANCER Molecular Model Kit,444PCS Organic Molecular Chemistry Set w/C60,Atoms,Bonds,Molecular Structures Building Kit for Chemistry Learning,STEM Science Kits for Teachers,Students,Young Scientists
  • 【444PCS】This Chemistry Molecular Model Kit contains 136 atom pieces made up of different elements;154 bonds:long flexible bonds (good for double and triple bonds),medium-length hard bonds,short-bonds (used for scale model single bond),overlength bonds,V-bonds (for space-filling models);3 electronic cloud slice;1 complete fullerene model (60 carbon atom+90 bond);1 removing tool for easy to separate atoms from the links.With this set,it is easy to build models for organic and inorganic chemistry
  • 【Non-Toxic Material】All materials of our 444PCS Organic Chemistry Model Kit are eco-friendly.Polypropylene atoms (pp plastic) feel smooth,no scraps or cutting edges from the holes;Low-Density Polyethylene links (LDPE plastic) are easy to remove and put on.The atom parts and links are color coded to national standards for ease of identification and come with an Instructional Guide to easily identify all atoms and connectors.Delivered in a sturdy plastic box for easy storage and portability!
  • 【Fullerene Models】What makes Our 444PCS Chemistry Model Kit unique is that this Model Kit has a complete fullerene model made up of 60 carbon atoms and 90 bonds.Fullerene is the third isomorphic body found in elemental carbon.The structure of fullerene is similar to the representative work of architect Fuller,so it is called fullerene.This is a great set to be put high school,university chemistry in most of the organic or inorganic molecular structure model for the study of experimental operatio
  • 【Making Chemistry Fun】This educational molecule modeling kit is designed for easy chemistry learning for organic,inorganic,o chem and functional groups.The color coded bonds and atoms help visually demonstrate the geometry and structure of compounds & other bond types,let intangible chemical molecules atomic shape transform into tangible,help teachers and parents to cultivate children's interest in chemistry,makes learning chemical 3D molecule or atomic structures fun and interactive
  • 【Best Parent-Child Interaction】There is no doubt that maternal-child interaction plays a very important role in child development.It is a good interaction for parents and children.Parents show their kids how to build 3D molecule to explore chemistry and physics concepts,kids teach their family the magic of chemistry and share the education experience.The Molecular model kit is designed for all ages:students from grade 7 to the University Graduate Level,STEM teachers,parents

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.