What is the coordination environment of the K+ ions in the fullerene-based superconductor K3C60?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of the fullerene C60. It is a molecule composed of 60 carbon atoms, arranged in a structure similar to a soccer ball. It consists of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons, with a carbon atom at the vertices of each polygon and a bond along each polygon edge.
2. Step 2: Understand the concept of coordination environment. In chemistry, the coordination environment of an ion refers to the number and type of its nearest neighboring ions or molecules. It is determined by the geometry of the compound and the nature of the chemical bonds.
3. Step 3: In the case of K3C60, three potassium ions (K+) are intercalated between the C60 molecules. The K+ ions are not directly bonded to the C60 molecules, but interact with them through ionic and van der Waals forces.
4. Step 4: Due to the spherical shape of the C60 molecules and their arrangement in the crystal lattice, each K+ ion is surrounded by several C60 molecules. Therefore, the coordination environment of the K+ ions in K3C60 is defined by multiple C60 molecules.
5. Step 5: To determine the exact number of C60 molecules surrounding each K+ ion, one would need to refer to the crystal structure of K3C60. This information is typically obtained through experimental techniques such as X-ray crystallography.

Key Concepts

Coordination Chemistry

Coordination chemistry involves the study of coordination compounds, where central metal atoms or ions are surrounded by molecules or anions called ligands. The arrangement and number of these ligands around the central atom define the coordination environment, which influences the compound's properties and reactivity.

Fullerenes

Fullerenes are a class of carbon allotropes characterized by their hollow, cage-like structures, such as C60, which resembles a soccer ball. In the context of superconductors, fullerenes can host alkali metal ions like K+, affecting their electronic properties and enabling superconductivity through electron transfer mechanisms.

Superconductivity

Superconductivity is a phenomenon where a material exhibits zero electrical resistance and expels magnetic fields below a certain temperature, known as the critical temperature. In K3C60, the interaction between K+ ions and the fullerene lattice plays a crucial role in achieving this state, as the ions contribute to the formation of Cooper pairs necessary for superconductivity.