HYDROGENATION OF C-60 BY ELECTROLYSIS OF KOH-H2O SOLUTION

Hydrogenation of C-60 by the cathodic electrolytic reduction of C-60 c oated on a graphite cathode was carried out using 30 weight percent KO H-H2O solution as electrolyte. By cyclic voltammetry, the cathodic pot ential in the electrolytic reduction was estimated to be -1.4 V vs. Ag /AgCl. After the reduction of C-60, the formation of C60H2 was identif ied by negative-ion fast atom bombardment mass spectroscopy and electr onic spectroscopy as well as high performance liquid chromatography. B y anodic oxidation of the formed C60H2, C-60 was identified by several characterization methods. The hydrogenation of C-60 and dehydrogenati on of C60H2 by electrolysis is reversible.