Stereoselective synthesis of cyclopentafullerenes: the reaction of [60]fullerene with aldehydes and triethylamine promoted by magnesium perchlorate.

The magnesium perchlorate-mediated reaction of [60]fullerene with aldehydes and triethylamine under air conditions afforded a series of rare cyclopentafullerenes in moderate to good yields with high stereoselectivity. A plausible reaction mechanism was suggested to elucidate the formation of cyclopentafullerenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]