Selective Synthesis of a Trifluoromethylated Fullerene and the Crystal Structure of C₆₀(CF₃)₁₂

Abstract

Unexpected selectivity: [60]Fullerene and CF3I react selectively at 440 °C to synthesize C60(CF3)12. In the product with S6 symmetry, 12 CF3 groups form a continuous loop of alternating para- and meta-C6(CF3)2 hexagons. In the crystal, the chains of molecules are strengthened owing to stacking interactions and shielding effects from the CF3 groups, thus accounting for the low volatility and solubility of the compound.