Synthesis of [60]Fullerene‐Fused Tetralones <i>via</i> Palladium‐ Catalyzed Ketone‐Directed <i>sp</i>² CH Activation and <i>sp</i>³ CH Functionalization

Abstract

Abstract The palladium‐catalyzed ketone‐directed dual sp 2 CH activation and sp 3 CH functionalization has been applied for fullerene functionalization for the first time. The sec ‐alkyl aryl ketones have been exploited to react with [60]fullerene (C 60 ) to provide the novel and scarce C 60 ‐fused tetralones. The combined use of a highly active cationic palladium(II) catalyst and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid is crucial for the improvement of the reaction yield. A plausible reaction mechanism leading to the observed products has been proposed, and the electrochemistry of the fullerene products has also been investigated. magnified image