SONOCHEMICAL SYNTHESIS OF C60H2

C60H2 has been synthesized by ultrasonically irradiating solutions of C-60 in decahydronaphthalene. This synthesis can be understood as a se condary reaction arising from the production of atomic hydrogen during sonolysis of the solvent. Continued sonication results in the eventua l disappearance of both C-60 and C60H2 from the solution as monitored by UV-vis spectrophotometry. This disappearance, along with the comple te absence of more highly hydrogenated derivatives, suggests that the C-60 experiences a high-energy environment during ultrasonic irradiati on.