Fullerene-ccated beads as reusable catalysts

New heterogeneous catalysts that use oxygen and light to generate singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) have been prepared. The catalysts facilitate various types of singlet oxygenation reactions including the Ene reaction, the Diels-Alder reaction, and others. The catalysts are made by stirring a heterogeneous mixture of fullerene-C-60 (dissolved in toluene) with aminomethylated poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) beads. Also, catalysts for aqueous photooxidations are made by reacting the initial catalysts with poly(allylamine) to create an outer layer that is more hydrophilic.