Reducing ability of supramolecular C60 dianion toward CO, CC and N–N bonds

Abstract

Different from C₆₀ dianion which readily reacts with electrophiles, supramolecular C₆₀ dianion (2) generated from γ-cyclodextrin-bicapped C₆₀ (1) and NaBH₄ (or diborate) in DMSO-H₂O (9∶1, v/v) is able to reduce N–N⁺, CC–EWG and CO bonds to provide the respective dihydro derivatives; 1-mediated reduction of acetophenone with NaBH₄ in the presence of (Me₂N)₂CH₂ and EtONa gives turn over frequency (TOF)/h of 400.