Solvent-free self-assembly of C60 and cucurbit[7]uril using high-speed vibration milling

The synthesis of a cucurbit[7]uril-[60]fullerene supramolecule complex using a simple, green, and efficent pathway is reported for the first time. In the complex, which was found to be of the 1:2 type, the compounds interact weekly with each other. Since the complexation can be achieved by a solid-solid reaction without solvent both the waste and contact with harmful solvents can by reduced to a minimum. A significant increase of reaction rate and yield compared to the heterogenous complexation was observed. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.