VIBRATIONAL-SPECTRUM OF C-60 IN THE P-TERT-BUTYLCALIX[8]ARENE(1 1)C-60 COMPLEX/

We report the results of Raman, infrared, and inelastic neutron scatte ring investigations of the vibrational spectrum of the complex p-tert- butylcalix[8]arene(1:1)fullerene, a system with almost isolated C-60 m olecules confined inside neutral cages. All the internal optical-activ e modes of the C-60 guest have been identified, and further modes whic h can be attributed to C-60 intramolecular vibrations appear in the ne utron scattering function. A comparison with the vibrational spectrum of empty p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene indicates that the host-guest inter action is very weak. As solid-state effects are also practically suppr essed, the investigated complex gives the unique opportunity to study almost free fullerene balls confined in the solid state.