Preparation and Characterization of the Fullerene Diols 1,2-C₆₀(OH)₂, 1,2-C₇₀(OH)₂, and 5,6-C₇₀(OH)₂

Abstract

The simple fullerene diols C60(OH)2 and C70(OH)2 were prepared by addition of RuO4 followed by acid hydrolysis. The 1,2-C60(OH)2 isomer was formed from C60, and two isomers (1,2 and 5,6) of C70(OH)2 were formed in the RuO4 hydroxylation of C70. These compounds are much more soluble in THF and dioxane than the parent fullerenes. More highly hydroxylated materials are formed as well