Novel synthetic route to fluorofullerenes: reaction with binary and complex lead fluorides

We have recently developed methods of preparation of fluorofullerenes with specific fluorine content. Our previous successful synthesis of C60F36 and C60F18 with the use of transition metal fluorides inspired us to probe other high oxidation metal fluorides. In this work we report on the use of the binary lead fluorides (PbF2, PbF4, Pb2F6) and their complexes with alkali metal and alkaline earth metal fluorides (M2PbF6, M3PbF7 and M′PbF6) as fluorinating reagents for fullerenes.