Aqueous solubilization of [60]fullerene via inclusion complex formation and the hydration of C-60

Natural and substituted cyclodextrins (CDs), as well as some calixarenes, h ave been investigated with respect to their solubilization of C-60 in water . Underivatized gamma -CD is proved to have unique solubilizing power among the possible complexing agents as it produces stable solutions and solids containing real 1:2 complexes. The differences in the appearance of the sol utions (magenta or brown colour) are explained by the hydration of the C-60 within the supramolecule. The composition and structure of the complexes a re proved by chemical analyses, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and solid state NMR.