New non-ionic, highly water-soluble derivatives of C60 designed for biological compatibility

The most water-soluble (>240 mg C60 mL−1) fullerene derivatives to date, the new malonodiserinolamide fullerenes C60[C(COSer)2]n (n=4, 5, 6, Ser=2-amino-1,3-propanediol), have been synthesized and characterized. The compounds were designed to provide maximum water solubility and biological compatibility. The facile synthesis is based on Bingel additions to C60 and should be applicable to the solubilization of any prospective fullerene-based drug.