1,2-Methanobuckminsterfullerene (C[sub 61]H[sub 2]), the parent fullerene cyclopropane. Synthesis and structure

Recently we reported the synthesis, isolation, and characterization of 1, the first fullerene epoxide (C[sub 60]O). We describe herein the generation and structure elucidation of 1,2-methanobuckminsterfullerene (2, C[sub 61]H[sub 2]), the parent fullerene cyclo propane. This is the methano analog of buckminsterfullerene epoxide 1. NMR coupling constants were employed to differentiate closed (fullerene) and open (fulleroid) isomers. We are currently exploring the chemical and physical properties of the [6,6] fullerene cyclopropanes. 15 refs., 1 fig.