Selective functionalization of fullerenes
AssigneeInrad, Inc.
InventorsZhenyu Zhang, Warren Ruderman, James R. Fehlner
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Abstract
Fullerenes are selectively functionalized by adsorbing fullerene molecules on molecular sieves such as zeolites as the first step in a desired functionalizing reaction and then adding functional groups or compounds to the fullerenes within the molecular sieves. An improved reactor for fullerene material is thereby available. Selectively functionalized fullerenes formed in accordance with the invention can also serve as precursors for further selectively functionalized products.
Claims33
A method of functionalizing fullerene molecules, comprising the steps of:
- providing both molecular sieve material having controlled spaces therein;
- sorbing fullerene material into the molecular sieve material, including into the controlled spaces thereof, to yield a quantity of fullerene loaded molecular sieve material;
- chemically reacting a reactant material with the fullerene molecules of the fullerene loaded molecular sieve material to yield functionalized fullerene reaction product within the controlled spaces.
A composition comprising chlorinated fullerene material, characterized by a sharp peak at about 800 cm.sup.-1 in an FT-IR spectrum.
A composition comprising brominated fullerene material characterized by sharp peaks at 780, 764 and 536 cm.sup.-1 in an FT-IR spectrum.
A composition comprising functionalized fullerene material, in which at least 70% of the composition is no more than 2 different species.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.