Influence of metal complexes on the formation of γ-cyclodextrin-bicapped C60n− (n: 1 and 2) in aqueous solution

A facile electron transfer from a reducing agent, Na2S2O4 to C60 in γ-cyclodextrin-bicapped C60-complex (1) in aqueous solution at ambient temperature under argon, leading to the simultaneous formation of ‘C601−’ and ‘C602−’ has been accomplished by using excess (18-crown-6):iron(II) chloride (1:1) complex as mediator for the electron transfer.