Cyclodextrin-[60]fullerene conjugates: synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical behavior

Three different functionalized β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs) bearing the C60 moiety linked covalently have been prepared in good yields by reaction between the parent β-CD and [60]fullerene via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. These compounds have been fully spectroscopically characterized and their electrochemical behavior has been investigated. Surprisingly, the electrochemical properties of the C60 cage remain unaltered even after chemical functionalization, making these systems very appealing as supramolecular hosts for electron-transfer processes.