Reduction of endohedral metallofullerenes: A convenient method for isolation

Isolation of the endohedral metallofullerenes is currently carried out via a multistage high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. However, this method is tedious and time-consuming work, making it difficult to obtain macroscopic quantities of pure endohedral metallofullerenes. We report herein a selective electrochemical reduction of the endohedral metallofullerenes from extracts of carbon soot and a convenient separation method of endohedral metallofullerenes and empty fullerenes. A chemical oxidation of the endohedral metallofullerene anions is also discussed.