Supramolecular Fullerene Materials

With its unique physical and chemical properties, buckminsterfullerene C60 is becoming an attractive functional component for incorporation into three-dimensional molecular assemblies and supramolecular arrays with potential applications as advanced materials. In this article, we discuss the self-organization of C60 derivatives into ordered fullerene thin films using Langmuir techniques. Subsequently, it is shown how metal ion complexation at a crown ether site in tight proximity to the fullerene surface perturbs the electronic structure of the carbon sphere. Covalently modified fullerenes are used for the construction of interlocked molecules, such as rotaxanes and catenanes, with fascinating topologies. Finally, the formation of a C60-containing tetracationic cyclophane by PtII-directed self-assembly of two di(pyridyl)methanofullerene moieties is presented. These recent advances have become possible only through the development of a new synthetic methodology, which provides controlled, regioselective access to multiply functionalized fullerene derivatives.