Pulse radiolytic redox and alkylation studies on C60

The radiation chemical method of pulse radiolysis is introduced as a suitable tool for the analysis of time-resolved optical changes in radiolytically induced redox and alkylation reactions. A pseudo-first order reaction observable in the radiolysis of C60 in 2-propanol leads to the formation of the radical anion in the reaction of C60 with solvated electrons and dimethylhydroxymethyl radicals. One-electron oxidation in 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) yielded C60.+, achieved via interaction of C60 with the radiolytically generated oxidizing (1,2-DCE).+ radical cations. The reaction of methyl radicals with C60 resulted in absorption changes which are very different from redox reactions and are ascribed to the methylation of the fullerene. Corresponding experiments in aqueous solutions have been carried out by incorporating C60 into artificial bilayer membranes and larger organic molecules. Several absolute rate constants for the radical induced reactions have been determined. (orig.)