From nano-balls to nano-bowls

Pentaphosphaferrocene [Cp∗Fe(η ⁵ -P ₅ )] in combination with Cu(i) halides is capable of a template-directed synthesis of fullerene-like spheres. Herein, we present the use of a triple decker complex as template that leads to the formation of unprecedented 'nano-bowls'. These spherical domes resemble the truncated fullerenes I _h -C ₈₀ and represent a novel spherical arrangement in the chemistry of spherical molecules.