Synthesis and characterization of fullerol derived from C-60(n-) precursors

In this note, we reported a new synthetic method for the preparation of wat er-soluble fullerol (60% yield) by the reaction of C-60(n-) lithium salt wi th the acidified methanol/water solution in the presence of oxygen. The ele mental analysis showed an average composition of C60H2(OH)(24) The FAB-MS s pectrum displays a base peak for C-60 at 720 (m/z), whereas the product's m olecular ion peak was not detected. In contrast to the pure C-60, this mate rial exhibits interesting paramagnetic properties. An unusual temperature d ependence for the ESR spectrum is observed over the temperature range 300-4 50 K. This change is irreversible. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.