Synthesis and structure of nitrene-C60 adduct, C60NPhth (Phth=Phthalimido)

Abstract Phthalimidonitrene (:NPhth) generated from H 2 NPhth and lead tetraacetate in chlorobenzene was found to add to C 60 , affording C 60 (NPhth) n (n=1–4). The adducts were separated, and the mono-adduct was spectroscopically characterized as an aziridine structure at a 6/6-ring junction. The electron affinity and aziridine inversion are significantly influenced by the substituents on the aziridine nitrogen.