Interplay of acceptor molecule shape, crystal structure and physical properties of a new molecular complex C70·2[(Ph3P)AuCl]

Investigations of crystal structure, electronic and vibrational absorption spectra and electron spin resonance of the complex of the fullerene C70 with chloro(triphenylphosphine)gold have been performed. Optical anisotropy, in particular the anisotropy of normal vibrations of the donor, has been observed and discussed. It was stated that the C70·2[(Ph3P)AuCl] complex undergoes a first-order phase transition at ∼160 K and shows an anomaly between 225 and 250 K. The role of the shape of C70 molecule in the structural organization and physical properties of the electron donor–acceptor complex is emphasized.