Low-Cost Synthesis of Fullerene Derivatives

Refined mixed fullerenes were used as a reagent in known organic reactions instead of the pure fullerene C₆₀ with aim to find an alternative, low-cost method for the synthesis of fullerene derivatives potentially exhibiting photoconductive properties. The isolation of C₆₀ or C₇₀ in clean form without admixtures requires the use of large quantities of toluene or other nonpolar solvents, polluting the environment and multiplying the production cost. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylide to fullerite was chosen because this reaction is one of the most widely used for fullerene functionalization, producing material possibly presenting photoinducing behavior. The data showed that the use of the cheaper mixed fullerenes instead of pure C₆₀ leads to the isolation of the same expected products with similar yields. The photoelectric properties of mixed fullerenes and their organic derivatives were also examined. A slightly semiconductive behavior was confirmed as well as a noticeable photoresponse.

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