Several ring systems (Saturn systems) have been studied using DFT methods that include dispersion effects. Comparison with X‐ray structures are made with three systems, and the agreement is quite good. Binding enthalpies and binding free energies in dichloromethane and toluene have been computed. The effect of an encapsulated lithium cation is accessed by comparing C60@(C6H4)10 and [Li@C60@(C6H4)10]+. The [Li@C60]+ cation is a much better acceptor than C60 which leads to greater donor–acceptor interactions and larger charge transfer from the ring to [Li@C60]+. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.