A new application of cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate [(NH4)2Ce(NO3)3] in fullerene chemistry—free-radical alkoxylation of C60 fullerene on reaction with primary alcohols

The reaction of [60]fullerene with primary aliphatic alcohols (ROH, R = Et, Me, Pr) mediated by cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate [(NH4)2Ce(NO3)3] affords the corresponding alkoxy-derivatives with a hydroxy group, C60(OR)x(OH) (x = 3, 4) in high yield. The reaction is characterized by a free radical mechanism confirmed by an EPR study of the alkoxy fullerenyl radical (g = 2.0023).