Pseudorotational Dynamics in the Ions of C₆₀

Abstract

A theory is outlined that allows the rate of pseudorotation to be related to the molecular vibronic coupling constants in systems subject to the Jahn‐Teller effect. Results are illustrated for C₆₀ ⁻ for two distinct cases corresponding to distortion into pentagonal and trigonal wells. The theory should allow extraction of vibronic coupling constants in the ions of C₆₀ when pertinent experimental data becomes available.

Keywords:

• C₆₀ ⁻
• dynamic Jahn‐Teller effect
• vibronic coupling

Acknowledgment

Funding for this work from EPSRC, UK is gratefully acknowledged.