Decatungstate-Photocatalyzed Addition of Lactones to [60]Fullerene

A new, one step functionalization of C-60 with lactones has been developed. This photochemical approach utilizes a variety of lactonyl radicals deriving from lactones through a hydrogen atom abstraction process mediated by tetrabutylammonium decatungstate [(n-Bu4N)(4)W10O32]. This reaction provides access to a previously unknown class of materials, namely 1-lactonyl-2-hydro[60]fullerenes. A mechanism for this new reaction has been proposed based mainly on the structure of reaction products and deuterium-incorporated experiments.

Automated summary

A new one-step method for functionalizing C-60 with lactones has been developed, leading to the synthesis of a previously unknown class of materials, namely 1-lactonyl-2-hydro[60]fullerenes. The mechanism of this reaction has been proposed based on the structure of reaction products and deuterium-incorporated experiments.