M₆L₁₂ Nanospheres with Multiple C₇₀ Binding Sites for ¹O₂ Formation in Organic and Aqueous Media

Singlet oxygen is a potent oxidant with major applications in organic synthesis and medicinal treatment. An efficient way to produce singlet oxygen is the photochemical generation by fullerenes which exhibit ideal thermal and photochemical stability. In this contribution we describe readily accessible M₆L₁₂ nanospheres with unique binding sites for fullerenes located at the windows of the nanospheres. Up to four C₇₀ can be associated with a single nanosphere, presenting an efficient method for fullerene extraction and application. Depending on the functionality located on the outside of the sphere, they act as vehicles for ¹O₂ generation in organic or in aqueous media using white LED light. Excellent productivity in ¹O₂ generation and consecutive oxidation of ¹O₂ acceptors using C₇₀⊂[Pd₆L₁₂], C₆₀⊂[Pd₆L₁₂] or fullerene soot extract was observed. The methodological design principles allow preparation and application of highly effective multifullerene binding spheres.