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.