Towards the rational synthesis of norfullerenes. controlled deletion of one carbon atom from C60 and preparation of 2,5,9-trioxo-1-nor(C60-Ih)[5,6]fullerene C59(O)3 derivatives.

Norfullerenes are fullerene-like compounds (fulleroids) resulting from partial deletion of fullerene skeleton carbons. The one carbon less norfullerene C59(O) 3 derivatives having three carbonyl groups on the rim of the orifice are prepared through peroxide-mediated reactions. A key step involves a novel PCl 5 initiated rearrangement of a hydroxyl amine adduct. Decarboxylation serves as the carbon removal step.