Complexation of Fullerenes

The foregoing studies have clearly demonstrated that a major driving force for formation of calixarene -fullerene complexation is the π-π interaction between the large complementary surfaces of the host and guest. Calixarenes with a preorganised cone (or double- cone)conformation and a proper inclination of the benzene rings can form inclusion complexes with fullerenes. The binding ability can be greatly enhanced by extension of the cavity through introduction of electron-rich moieties onto the upper rim, or by creating a capsule-like cavity through dimerisation of the calixarene with an appropriate linkage. Covalently connecting the host and guest is another approach to facilitate their interactions. The supramolecular interaction between calixarenes and fullerenes has already been shown to have important potential applications, such as in purification of fullerenes, medicinal uses, molecular devices, and catalysis. With continuing progress in the research of fullerenes and supramolecular chemistry, we believe that the calixarene - fullerene interaction will find more and more applications.