Controlling Polyadditions to Fullerenes

Abstract
Fullerene chemistry has been complicated by the formation of multiple adducts. Simple polyaddition reactions to form specific structures similar to C60Ar4H are common. However, adding eight or ten carbon nucleophiles to fullerenes generally produces complex mixtures. In this contribution new conditions with a coordinating additive (pyridine or other coordinating ligand) produce the molecules shown in useful quantities. C 60 is an important starting material to non-planar aromatics and these addition chemistries produce luminescent materials with quantum yields that are among the highest obtained from fullerenes.