Process and method for the efficient preparation of fullerynes

Abstract

The preparation of novel fullerynes which are fullerenes (e.g. C60, C70, C80, etc.) that contain one or more alkyne functionalities and may contain additional functional groups such as hydroxyls, halogens, esters, haloesters, phenyl, oligo(ethylene glycol)s, perfluorinated alkyl chains, and the like. Two desired preparation routes are disclosed. The first one is the Fischer esterification in desired solvents using a special designed reactor in contrast to the heretofore initial Steglich reaction that results in side reactions and low yields. The second one uses acetylide Grignard reagents that have reduced nucleophilicity and higher stability in contrast to the use of heretofore initial lithium organyls or other Grignard reagents that would add to C60 with possible multi-additions in an uncontrollable manner.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.