Multiparameter solubility model of fullerene C60

The separation of solute-solvent interaction into different components offers insight into the mechanism of solution behavior. In this study the solution model of Thomas and Eckert with consideration of dispersion, polar, acidity, and basicity interactions was used to correlate the solubility data of fullerene C60 at 25 °C in 55 solvents. Parameters of fullerene were estimated using the relative solubility data, choosing benzene as the reference. From the parameters it was concluded that C60 has dispersion and polar components comparable to aromatics, a small acidity, and zero basicity component. The induction parameter was near unity. The model gave a good description of experimental results including alkanes and alcohols. Several halogenated alkanes showed a systematic deviation from the trend, with lower predicted interaction parameter. A deeper understanding of the interaction between fullerene and various solvents will allow rational choice of solvents for processing.