Carbonization of C_(60) and C_(70) Fullerenes to Fullerene Soot

摘要

Since C_(60) in bulk quantities has been produced from graphite electrodes by electric arc discharge, its organic chemistry is being expanded to establish new aromatic concepts. The present preparation procedure produces C_(60) at a yield of ca. 10% regardless of the production facility. Although a higher yield of C_(60) is strongly desired, any preparation procedure gives a so-called "soot" as the major product which is basically insoluble in any solvent. The soot appears to be similar to a carbon black of large surface area. It is an intriguing question whether C_(60) is an intermediate for the soot in the reaction initiated by the arc discharge.