A Theoretical Study on the Functionalisation Process of C 18 NB Fullerene Through its Open [5,5] Cycloaddition with 4-Pyridine Nitrile Oxide

C₂₀ nanofullerene and its derivatives, as the smallest carbon cages, are amongthe most important compounds in the field of nanoscience. As a result, it is very important to find a procedure to functionalise these precious compounds to exploit their numerous benefits. So, in this study, the process was investigated of adding a functional group to one of the C₂₀ fullerene derivatives, via its open [5,5] cycloaddition reaction with 4-pyridine nitrile oxide. This showed that the open [5,5] cycloaddition reaction between 4-pyridine nitrile oxide and C₁₈NB fullerene takes place with sufficient speed that would need no catalyst.

According to the calculations, a highly asynchronous concerted mechanism operates in this reaction. It seems that oxygen–boron interaction causes the mechanism to be asynchronous. All calculations were performed at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory.