[Back to the Fullerene Patent Database]

United States Patent 5,475,172
Cahill, et. al.Dec. 12, 1995

Process for fullerene functionalization

Inventors: Cahill; Paul A. (Albuquerque, NM); Henderson; Craig C. (Dublin, CA).
Assignee: Sandia Corporation (Albuquerque, NM).
Appl. No.: 160,345
Filed: Dec. 1, 1993
Intl. Cl.:C07C 1/00; C07C 13/62; C01B 31/00
U.S. Cl.:585/ 27; 585/ 22; 585/266; 585/271; 585/469; 585/943; 423/445.B
Field of Search:423/445 B, DIG. 39, DIG. 40; 585/943, 22, 26, 27, 266, 271, 469

References Cited

Other References

Primary Examiner: Lewis; Michael
Assistant Examiner: DiMauro; Peter T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Libman; George H., Stanley; Timothy D.

Abstract

Di-addended and tetra-addended Buckminster fullerenes are synthesized through the use of novel organoborane intermediates. The C(60), C(70), or higher fullerene is reacted with a borane such as BH(3) in a solvent such as toluene to form an organoborane intermediate. Reaction of the organoborane such as hydrolysis with water or alcohol results in the product di-addended and tetra-addended fullerene in up to 30% yields. Dihydrofullerenes and tetrahydrofullerenes are produced by the process of the invention.

22 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures

The United States Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. DE-AC04-76DP00789 between the Department of Energy and American Telephone and Telegraph Company.


[Back to the Fullerene Patent Database]