An optimised scalable synthesis of H2O@C60 and a new synthesis of H2@C60

Abstract

New high-yielding synthetic routes to the small-molecule endofullerenes H₂O@C₆₀, D₂O@C₆₀ and H₂@C₆₀ are described. The use of high temperatures and pressures for the endohedral molecule incorporation are avoided. A new partial closure step using PPh₃, and final suturing using a novel Diels–Alder/retro-Diels–Alder sequence are amongst the advances reported.