Solid ${\mathrm{C}}_{36}$ as hexaclathrate form of carbon

The structure and stability of the newly synthesized ${\mathrm{C}}_{36}$ solid is investigated using a generalized tight-binding molecular-dynamics method. Symmetry and electronic structure analysis point to a new form of carbon clathrate containing ${\mathrm{C}}_{36}$ fullerenes as building blocks. All of its atoms have ${\mathrm{sp}}^3$ bonding and the structure has exact $D_{6h}$ symmetry. This is consistent with the electron-diffraction pattern of the new solid.