Functionalization of Fullerene with 4-Benzo-9-crown-3 Ether as a Phase Transfer Catalyst

Functionalization ofFullerene by the covalent addition of 4-benzo-9-crown-3ether diazonium salt has beendescribed. The covalent grafting ofcrown etherhas led to a considerable increase in the solubility ofFullerene in both organicand aquatic solvents such as ethanol, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamideand water. The highest solubilitywas attained in Dichloromethane, Acetone andEthanol. The covalently bonded 4-benzo-9-crown-3 ether allowed the hosting ofLi+. The covalentgrafting of crown ether [4-(benzo-9-crown-3)] to Fullerenewasidentified and confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, UV/Vis andthermogravimetric analysismethods.

Keywords:

Crown ether , Phase Transfer Catalyst , Fullerene , Functionalization