NaOH-catalyzed dimerization of monofunctionalized hydrofullerenes: transition-metal-free, general, and efficient synthesis of single-bonded [60]fullerene dimers.

Unprecedented, transition-metal-free NaOH-catalyzed homo- and cross-dimerizations of monofunctionalized hydrofullerenes are reported. Various single-bonded fullerene dimers were synthesized under mild reaction conditions with remarkably high yields. The use of a NaOH catalyst combined with tetrahydrofuran as a cosolvent under an air atmosphere is critical in achieving highly efficient catalytic dimerization.