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Synthesis, chemistry, and properties of a monoalkylated buckminsterfullerene derivative, t-BuC{sub 60} anion

Journal Article · · Journal of the American Chemical Society
; ;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Delaware, Newark, DE (United States); and others
Although the reactions of lithium and Grignard reagents with buckminsterfullerene (C{sub 60}) forming alkylated or arylated products have been reported, no structurally well-defined anionic products has been isolated. The compounds (R{sub 3}P){sub 2}M({eta}{sup 2}-C{sub 60}) (M=Ni,Pd,Pt) were 0.36 V harder to reduce than C{sub 60}, indicating that the electron affinity and reactivity of the C{sub 60} cluster toward nucleophiles is reduced. We reasoned that addition of a single alkyl anion to produce RC{sub 60}{sup -} should be possible. Here we report the synthesis and properties of the tert-butyllithium adduct of C{sub 60} isolated in impure form as t-BuC{sub 60}{sup -}Li{sup +}{center_dot}3-4THF(1a), and in pure form as t-BuC{sub 60}{sup -}Li{sup +}{center_dot}4CH{sub 3}CN(1b). Protonation of 1b yields a mixture of isomers of t-BuC{sub 60}H (2a and 2b) with 2a converting to 2b over time. The compound t-BuC{sub 60}H is one of the strongest acids made up of only carbon and hydrogen and has a relatively weak C{sub 60}-H bond. 14 refs., 1 fig.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
269190
Journal Information:
Journal of the American Chemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the American Chemical Society Journal Issue: 24 Vol. 114; ISSN JACSAT; ISSN 0002-7863
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English