Syntheses and properties of macromolecular fullerenes, a review

The recent progress and prospects of macromolecular fullerenes with respect to their syntheses and properties are compiled and discussed. The variety of macrofullerenes with emphasis on C-60 and C-70 is presented and syntheti c concepts of polymer derivatives of fullerenes are outlined. After a conci se consideration of the fundamentals of fullerene reactivity, both major ty pes of fullerene-containing polymers, main-chain and side-chain polymers, t ogether with special types, such as telechelic, macrocyclic, dendrimeric an d star-shaped fullerene materials, are covered. Also, the synthesis of full erene-containing copolymers via radical polyreactions and preparative aspec ts of surface-attached fullerenes are described. The properties of the macr omolecular fullerene derivatives are discussed in view of their structure a nd application. Finally, the role of macrofullerenes for new materials or t heir precursors is elucidated. 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.