Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Vol.117, No.19, 5925-5931, 2013
Alignment of N@C-60 Derivatives in a Liquid Crystal Matrix
The orientation of different N-substituted [N@C-60]fulleropyrrolidine derivatives hosted in a nematic liquid crystal matrix has been studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. In this study, variations on the zero field splitting parameter of the guest species are employed as a means of determining their degree of orientation. Fulleropyrrolidines with more rigid N-substituents are preferentially oriented in the liquid crystal matrix, whereas those with less rigid substituents are almost randomly distributed. Additionally, the orientation of a C-60 fullerene cage bearing a nitroxide radical has also been investigated in comparison.