In this paper the electrochemical derivatization of fullerenes in the
case of C-60 is described. The property of fullerenes to form di- or t
ri- anions by electrochemical reduction at less cathodic potentials is
used for chemical derivatization. These anions react with alkyl or ar
yl halides, e.g. iodomethane, iodobenzene, 1-iodonaphthalene and 1,2-d
iiodobenzene in benzonitrile solution. Depending on the electrochemica
l conditions and the chemical structure, di- or tetra-alkyl and aryl f
ullerenes, respectively, are formed. The electrosynthesis is followed
by cyclic voltammetry. The reaction products are isolated by high perf
ormance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and characterized by H-1 NMR spec
troscopy and mass spectrometry.