Highly Water Soluble C₆₀ Derivatives: A New Synthesis

Abstract

Unprecedented protocol, consisting in reduction of Buckminsterfullerene with Na/K alloy and successive stirring in presence of O₂, affords polyhydroxylated fullerenols which are highly water soluble, from strongly basic to medium acidic conditions. The products have been characterized by means of cross polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) NMR, ¹H‐NMR, electron, FT‐IR, Raman and mass spectroscopies. Possible paths of reaction and the role of molecular oxygen in fullerene cage‐oxidation are discussed.

Keywords:

• Fullerene
• Water solubility
• Solid state spectroscopies

5. Acknowledgments

Authors are indebted to Prof. Roberto Gobetto of University of Turin, Italy, for a helpful dicussion on acquired NMR spectra. Financial support from the MIUR (40% fund) is gratefully acknowledged.