Addition of inorganic radicals to C60: derivatives of PF4C60

The EPR spectrum of PF3(OtB)C60, a derivative of PF4C60, is described and discussed. It is concluded that, in the trigonal bipyramidal arrangement of bonds around the phosphorus atom, two of the fluorine atoms occupy axial positions, as might be expected from their electronegativity. The C60 and OtB ligands, and the third fluorine atom, occupy equatorial positions. The enthalpy barrier to Berry pseudo-rotation about the PC bond is 9.2±1.1 kcal/mol.