Taming Superacids: Stabilization of the Fullerene Cations HC60 +and C60 .

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2000-07, Vol.289 (5476), p.101-104
• Main Authors: Reed, Christopher A., Kim, Kee-Chan, Bolskar, Robert D., Mueller, Leonard J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acidity; Acids - chemical synthesis; Acids - chemistry; Anions; Anions - chemistry; Carbon - chemistry; Carboranes; Cations; Cations, Monovalent - chemistry; Chemical bases; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Fullerenes; Inorganic chemistry and origins of life; Ions; Kinetics and mechanism of reactions; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Models, Chemical; Molecular Structure; Nucleophiles; Oxidants; Oxidation-Reduction; Protons; Solvents; Spectrophotometry, Infrared; Spectrum Analysis
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.289.5476.101

A new superacid, H(CB11H6X 6) (where X = chlorine or bromine), whose conjugate base is the exceptionally inert CB11H6X 6 -carborane anion, separates Br∅nsted acidity from oxidizing capacity and anion nucleophilicity in a manner not previously achieved. Reaction of this superacid with C60gives HC60 +as a stable ion in solution and in the solid state. In a separate experiment, an oxidant was developed such that the long-sought C60 .+ion can be synthesized in solution. The preparation of these two fullerene carbocations is a notable departure from the prevalent chemistry of C60, which is dominated by the formation of anions or the addition of nucleophiles. The H(CB11H6X 6) superacid overcomes the major limitations of presently known superacids and has potentially wide application.