Synthesis, properties and transformations of fullerene peroxides

The formation routes, properties and transformations of fullerene peroxides are considered and described systematically for the first time. It is demonstrated that the chemistry of fullerene peroxides is a new line of research in the field of fullerene functionalization being vigorously developed since 2002. The preparation methods, mechanisms of formation and reactions of C$_{60}$ and C$_{70}$ alkyl peroxides both containing and not containing epoxide groups are discussed. The transformations of fullerene peroxides are presented, resulting in a broad range of fullerene derivatives containing halogen or sulfur atoms, epoxide, dioxolane, thiirane, crown ether, aziridine and dioxetane rings, and hydroxyl, alkoxyl and carbonyl groups. Primary attention is devoted to reactions that form the basis of a new approach, so-called 'molecular surgery', which allows the preparation of open-cage fullerenes. These compounds were shown to be promising for the design of photovoltaic cells, drug carriers and radionuclide carriers (for radiopharmaceuticals).
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