Fullerene C60 derivatives as efficient sensitizers of oxidation under the mild conditions of atmospheric air

Abstract

The ability of fullerene C₆₀ and of its derivatives to sensitize oxidation of triphenylphosphine with atmospheric oxygen under sunlight illumination at room temperature was found. Reuse of fullerene conjugates did not lead to reduction in their reactivity; the conjugates were recovered unchanged from the reaction mixture. The use of a xenon lamp significantly shortened the time of the process.