A step toward direct fullerene synthesis: C60 fullerene precursors with fluorine in key positions

Several fluorine containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with exact carbon atom topology of the C60 fullerene have been synthesized. Different numbers of fluorine atoms were introduced in the key positions, as needed for an efficient intramolecular condensation to the fullerene molecule. The polycyclic aromatic compounds obtained represent attractive precursors for rational, high-yield fullerene synthesis by flash vacuum pyrolysis.