Selective extraction and purification of endohedral metallofullerene from carbon soot

A preferential extraction of endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) from carbon soot through the use of reduction in the extraction process and a convenient isolation of endohedral metallofullerene anions (EMFs(-)) and empty fullerenes utilizing their difference in solubility are accomplished. EMFs are easily isolated by one-stage high-performance liquid chromatography after chemical oxidation of the extracted endohedral EMFs(-).