UNSTABLE PRODUCTS FROM THE OZONATION OF C60 IN SOLVENTS

The ozonation of a solution of C₆₀ in toluene results in the formation of several unstable compounds C₆₀X and C₆₀Y1-5] which decay completely at room temperature within about 1 h. The products are oxides C₆₀O6,6], C₆₀O₂I], C₆₀O₂II], and possibly an isomer of C₆₀O₃. The transformations are not due to oxidation by atmospheric oxygen but are spontaneous. The ozonation of a solution of C₆₀O6,6] in toluene results in the formation of two unstable compounds C₆₀Z1-2] which also decay completely to C₆₀O₂I] and C₆₀O₂II]. It is suggested that all unstable “parents” are ozonides.