On the Action of Ultraviolet Light on C70 Fullerene

Abstract

C₇₀ was photopolymerized in solution of CCl₄ under nitrogen flow by an high pressure mercury lamp. The resulting photoproduct was still soluble in common solvents and has been studied by electronic and FT-IR spectroscopy. FT-IR spectroscopy reveals a very peculiar band pattern never reported to date for C₇₀ photoproduct. Since this band pattern is very similar to that of C₆₀ photopolymer, it suggests that C₇₀ photoproduct should have a chemical structure very close to that assigned to C₆₀ photopolymer and piezopolymer.

The role played by CCl₄ in C₇₀ photopolymerization seems to be comparable to that already reported for C₆₀, i.e. it acts as a polymerization promoter.     

Effects of Intense Ultrasound Treatment of C60 Solutions

C₆₀ was treated at room temperature, in air with intense ultrasound in the following solvents; decalin, tetralin. cyclohexane and CCl₄. It is shown by UV-VIS and FT-IR spectroscopy that in decalin and in tetralin the dominant reaction seems to be a sono-oxidation, although more complex reactions involving the solvent take place. In CC1₄ sono-oxidation is accompanied by an extensive sono-polymerization. Products in CCl₄ are C₆₀O, C₆₀O₂ and others; the sonopolymer collected from sonicated CCl₄ was easily identified by FT-IR spectroscopy. Sonopolymerization occurs also in decalin and tetralin and is promoted by free radicals as in the case of CCl₄. No reactions are observed in cyclohexane due to the very low solubility of C₆₀ in this solvent and the poor cavitation ability of cyclohexane under the action of ultrasound.     

Raman Spectra of Some Fullerene Polymers

A brief comparison between the Raman spectra of C₆₀ photopolymer with the C₆₀ sonopolymer is presented. The spectrum of C₇₀ photoproduct is also discussed.     

Radiation-Induced Trichloromethylation of C60 Fullerene in Carbon Tetrachloride

The radiolysis of C₆₀ in CCl₄ has been studied in detail from the organic chemistry point of view. Solutions of C₆₀ in CCl₄ have been treated with γ radiation at 25, 50, 150, and 600 kGy, and the resulting products have been studied by electronic absorption spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, solid state ¹³C-MAS-NMR and by thermogravimetric analysis. The products have also been separated by liquid chromatographic analysis (HPLC). C₆₀ undergoes a multiple trichloromethylation reaction and on average about 6 trichloromethyl radicals add to the fullerene cage. The trichloromethylation reaction is accompanied by the dimerization and trimerization of C₆₀ fullerene. Also the oligomers appear to be trichloromethyl-substituted.

For reference the C₆₀ solutions in CCl₄ have also been photolyzed with UV light. Similar product as those observed in the radiolysis experiment have been detected. The main difference is that the photolysis products appear both chlorinated and trichloromethylated while the radiolysis product appear almost exclusively trichloromethylated.     

A STUDY ON THE THERMAL STABILITY OF THE PHOTOPOLYMER, THE OZOPOLYMER, AND THE PHOTOCHLORINATED DERIVATIVE OF C60 FULLERENE

The thermal stability of the C₆₀ photopolymer, the C₆₀ ozo-polymer, and photochlorinated C₆₀ was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and TGA-differential thermal analysis techniques up to 950°C in comparison to graphite and pure C₆₀. The ozopolymer was found to be the least stable material followed by C₆₀Cl_x. The resulting residual carbonaceous matter formed by the decomposition of the photopolymer and the ozopolymer has been studied by Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and has been found to be completely comparable to carbon black. The thermal decomposition of the C₆₀ photopolymer prepared in solution yields negligible amounts of C₆₀. The main product is carbon black.     

He Ion Bombardment of C70 Fullerene: An FT-IR and Raman Study

C₇₀ fullerene films deposited on a silicon substrate have been bombarded with He⁺ ions at 30 keV at room temperature in vacuum. The structural changes undergone by C₇₀ have been followed by both FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. The results have been compared to the behavior of C₆₀ fullerene and discussed in an astrochemical context. The main conclusion is that C₇₀, contrary to C₆₀, does not form oligomers at low radiation dose but it is directly and gradually degraded to amorphous carbon (carbon black).     

Loss of Chlorine from C60 and C70 Chlorides

Fullerene contents of chlorinated C₆₀ and C₇₀ were determined with HPLC. n-Values of C₆₀Cl_n and C₇₀Cl_n were determined from mass increase during synthesis, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, PIXE, Nuclear Microprobe (¹²C[d,p]¹³C), and Electron Microprobe analysis. n-Values obtained immediately after synthesis were in the range 31-45. Best values obtained later were in the range 10-20. It is suggested that (i) the samples lost CS₂ or CS₂/CCl₄, or Cl of “crystallization” after synthesis, (ii) after synthesis the samples lost Cl bound to C₆₀ (iii) Cl was lost during the analysis, or (iv) some of all three.     

Investigations of the Interaction of Nickel and Carbon Monoxide with Solid Films of C60 and C70 by UV and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Based on UV and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it is shown that nickel metal clusters deposited on solid C₆₀ and C₇₀ films cause marked changes in the valence band spectra. In addition, the C 1s core-level of the fullerenes shift to lower binding energies while the Ni 2p_3/2 core level shifts towards higher binding energies, especially at small metal coverages. These observations signify the occurrence of charge-transfer from the nickel metal to the fullerene. We also show that CO adsorbs weakly on C₆₀ and C₇₀ surfaces.     

GENERATION OF HIGHER FULLERENES FROM LASER ABLATION OF CARBYNE AND C60 PHOTOPOLYMER ASTROCHEMICAL IMPLICATIONS

Laser ablation of targets of carbonaceous matter containing carbyne nanodomains (the sp hybridised carbon chains) or targets of C₆₀ photopolymer produced carbon clusters which have been detected by FT-ICR (Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance) mass spectrometer. When the carbonaceous matter containing carbyne has been employed as laser target, no C₆₀ has been generated but only fullerene cages from C₇₄ up to C₁₂₄. Larger cages were also obtained but with odd number. Starting from C₆₀ photopolymer, laser ablation regenerates free C₆₀ and creates a sequence of C₆₀ superior homologues all possessing even number and each member of the series is separated from the preceding and the following member by the loss or by the addition respectively of a C₂ unit. Fullerenes up to C₁₆₂ have been recorded. The implications about the presence of free C₆₀ fullerene in the interstellar and circumstellar space, its formation from carbyne chains and its stability towards its photopolymerization tendency and its regeneration from the photopolymer together with its superior homologues have been discussed thoroughly in the present paper.     

Temperature Dependent FT-IR and FT-Raman Studies of C60 And C70 in Solid States

Temperature-dependent FT-IR and FT-Raman studies of C₆₀ and C₇₀ in crystal and KBr disk states suggest that both C₆₀ and C₇₀ enlarge significantly with temperarture increase in the 303-523 K.     

He ION BOMBARDMENT OF C60 FULLERENE: AN FT-IR AND RAMAN STUDY

C₆₀ fullerene films have been bombarded with He⁺ ions at 30 keV at room temperature in vacuum. The structural changes undergone by C₆₀ have been followed by both FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy was the most useful tool for this scope. It has been clearly discovered that at low radiation dose C₆₀ forms oligomers but at higher radiation doses it is converted into an amorphous carbonaceous matter. The implications of these results on the possible survival of C₆₀ fullerene in the interstellar space have been discussed briefly in connection with the previous results on the effects of various types of electromagnetic radiation over C₆₀.     

On the Action of γ Radiation on Solid C60 and C70 Fullerenes: A Comparison with Graphite Irradiation

C₆₀ and C₇₀ fullerene have been treated in sealed flasks under Ar with γ radiation using radiation dosages ranging from 10 to 1000 kGy. The treated samples studied by electronic and FT-IR spectroscopy have not shown any evidence about fullerenes decomposition or radiopolymerization. However, through Raman spectroscopy it was possible to observe that γ radiation induces C₆₀ dimerization and trimerization. It has additionally been discovered that γ-treated C₆₀ (oligomerized) can be easily photopolymerized in the solid state by post-irradiation with laser light at 514 nm while this phenomenon has not been observed by using laser light at 782 nm and considerably higher laser power. Previously to this study, C₆₀ photopolymerization was known to occur only by using ultraviolet light.

For comparison also graphite was irradiated with 1000 kGy of γ radiation. Irradiated graphite shows considerably changes in its Raman spectrum, showing the formation of glassy carbon domains, perhaps carbon onions. The l_d bandshift to 1310 cm^-1 could be interpreted in terms of formation of hexagonal diamond.     

Preparation of Two Novel C60 and C70 Fullerene Pyrrolidine Derivatives

C₆₀ reacted with paraformaldehyde and DL-valine in dry toluene under nitrogen to give a monoadduct. Under the similar conditions,C₇₀ gave a bisadduct. Both products were characterized by FT-IR,UV-Vis,EI-MS and NMR.The studies of the cyclic voltammetry showed that the abilities of donating electron of the products were increased compared to C₆₀ and C₇₀ respectively.     

Fullerane, the Hydrogenated C60 Fullerene: Properties and Astrochemical Considerations

Hydrogenated C₆₀ fullerene, C₆₀H₃₆ was prepared in different solvents using Zn/HCl as reducing agents. The structure of C₆₀H₃₆ was confirmed both by electronic and FT-IR spectroscopy and the purity of the reaction product was checked by HPLC analysis. It has been confirmed that C₆₀H₃₆ is not stable in air, especially in presence of light which enhances the oxidation. The oxidation of C₆₀H₃₆ was studied by FT-IR spectroscopy and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in air; the formation of hydroxyl groups on the fullerene cage and ketonic groups (involving cage breakdown) have been detected. Furthermore, the action of O₃ on C₆₀H₃₆ was investigated and it has been found that O₃ exerts practically the same effect of air but causing an enhanced cage breakdown. The thermal stability of C₆₀H₃₆ was checked by a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with a differential thermal analysis (DTA) under N₂ flow. The vaporization of C₆₀H₃₆ occurs at very high temperature: the DTA trace has shown an endothermic peak at 540°C (at a heating rate of 20°C/min). C₆₀H₃₆ shows an electronic absorption spectrum with a maximum at about 217 nm and it is able to match both in position and in half width the peak at 217.5 nm observed in the spectrum of the interstellar extinction of light which was attributed to hydrogenated, radiation processed and thermally annealed carbon dust. Similarly, the absorption spectrum of C₆₀H₃₆ is able to match several infrared emission bands (called UIBs) detected from certain astrophysical objects like the protoplanetary nebulae (PPNe). It is proposed that hydrogenated fullerenes can be used as model compounds in the laboratory simulation studies of interstellar carbon dust.     

Halogen and Interhalogen Reactions with [60]Fullerene: Preparation and Characterization of C60C24 and C60C18F14

U.V. irradiation of a solution of [60]fullerene in carbon tetrachloride saturated with chlorine gave a yellow solid, the negative ion FAB mass spectrum of which is consistent with the presence of C₆₀Cl₂₄ When a solution of [60]fullerene in CCl₄was mixed with IF₅, a yellow solid was deposited in the denser IF₅ layer. The negative ion FAB mass spectrum of this material indicated it to be C₆₀C₁₈F₁₄ This result provides the first confirmation that halogenation of Merenes is a radical process. Fluorination of C₆₀Br₈ gave a range of fluorinated products, having a maximum fluorine content of ca. 36 fluorines per cage, and with either C₆₀F₁₈ or its mono-oxide as major species. EI mass spectrometry of the products at various temperatures indicates that the more highly fluorinated fiiilerenes are either less stable to heat, or are more volatile.     

Preparation and Characterization of Inorganic Fluorides—Fullerenes Compounds

Reaction of metallic fluorides: WF₆ TaF₅, NbF₅ and TiF₄ with C₆₀/C₇₀ extract was performed at appropriate temperatures. M0F₅ and BF₃ fluorides do not react. Chemical formulas based on mass uptake show MF_n/C₆₀ ratios up to 2.00. Compounds were analysed by means of X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopies. The presence of neutral fluorides and associated anionic species is put forward and it is shown that MF_n compounds do not act as fluorination agents. Electrical conductivity measurements are also presented.     

Study of the Submerged Electric Arc in Hexane in Presence of C60 Fullerene

The effect of the electric arc between graphite electrodes submerged in n-hexane solutions of C₆₀ fullerene has been studied by electronic absorption spectroscopy, liquid chromatographic analysis (HPLC-DAD), and FT-IR spectroscopy. The experimental results show that C₆₀ does not appear able to inhibit the polyynes' formation at the concentration used. Polyynes are formed in large amounts as usual from the graphite arc, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been detected as by-products. Prolonged arcing causes the disappearance of C₆₀ from the solution. There is experimental evidence that C₆₀ undergoes radical addition reactions during the early stages of arcing.     

Laser Photolysis Study on Mechanism and Efficiency of Electron Transfer Between Fullerenes (C60 and C70) and Tetraselenafulvalenes

Efficient electron-transfer reactions from three kind of tetraselenafulvalenes (TSeF's) to photoexcited triplet state of C₆₀ or C₇₀ in polar solvents have been confirmed by transient absorption spectroscopy observing the decay of ³C₆₀*/³C₇₀* and rise of C₆₀^-•/C₇₀^-•. Growth of single crystal seems to be stimulated by laser irradiation of the solution containing C₆₀ and bis(ethylenedithio)tetraselena-fulvalene (BEDT-TSeF), in which C₆₀^-• was effectively formed.     

SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF C60 AND C70 FULLERENES BY A SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD

In all fullerene-producing systems, reaction products were black soot extracts reported to contain a 5-25% fullerene mixture. Toluene extraction of the soot results in a solution of C₆₀, C₇₀, and higherc fullerenes. Without separation, absolute determination of the contents is not possible, leaving the researcher to comment only on the C₆₀/C₇₀ ratio of the solution. High-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning tunneling microscopy imaging techniques were reported in the literature for determining the C₆₀/C₇₀ ratio of the mixtures. These methods require tedious experiments and produce slightly differing results as well. In this communication, a new and relatively quick method is proposed for the simultaneous determination of the yields of C₆₀ and C₇₀ (not the ratio) in fullerene-containing solutions by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric analysis.     

ON THE REACTIVITY OF C60 FULLERENE WITH DIENE RUBBER MACRORADICALS. II. THE REACTIVITY WITH CIS-1,4-POLYISOPRENE UNDER MILDER THERMAL CONDITIONS

Evidences about the reactivity of cis-1,4-polyisoprene (natural and synthetic origin) with C₆₀ are presented by TGA data and by FT-IR and UV-VIS spectroscopy. At 190°C under nitrogen C₆₀ fullerene causes the crosslinking cis-1,4-polyisoprene. The proposed resulting structure is a three-dimensional network where C₆₀ represents the knots and the rubber chain fragments the filaments connecting the knots.