Reversible radical coupling reaction of paramagnetic endohedral metallofullerenes

Abstract

The radical coupling reaction of a paramagnetic endohedral metallofullerene, La@C₈₂, affords mono-substituted La@C₈₂ regioselectively. Four regioisomers of La@C₈₂CH₂C₆H₅ obtained from the reaction with benzyl radical, and were characterized by spectroscopic methods. In addition, heating the La@C₈₂ derivatives in the presence of a radical trapping reagent affords pristine La@C₈₂ in high yield.