Synthesis and metal-binding properties of [60]fullerene-linked calix[4]arenes: an approach to ‘exohedral metallofullerenes’

Abstract

‘Fullerenocalixarenes’ in which [60]fullerene is covalently linked through two ionophoric chains to a cone-calix[4]arene 1 or to a 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene 2 have been synthesized for the first time: although the absorption spectrum of 2 is scarcely changed upon addition of metal cations, that of 1 is affected by added Li⁺, Na⁺ and Ag⁺, indicating the formation of exohedral [60]fullerene–metal complexes.