A plethora of literature exists for C₆₀ and C₇₀. Isolated in gram quantities since the early 1990s, these empty-cage fullerenes are well-studied due to their (1) high abundance in carbon soot extracts and (2) ease of separation. Depending on the method of synthesis (e.g., electric-arc), C₆₀ and C₇₀ typically comprise 95-98% of the soluble fullerene extract. The remaining 2-5% represents the higher fullerenes, e.g., C₇₆ - C₁₄₀ and beyond. How does one isolate these higher cage fullerenes given their extremely low abundance? Great question - which will be addressed.

Our goal is developing a new separation method to chemically isolate these higher fullerenes. An inherent advantage to chemical methods is the removal of structural isomers, which present co-elution challenges with HPLC alone. In this presentation, we discuss the attractiveness of being able to remove more reactive fullerenes to greatly simplify samples. A successful purification strategy for isolating higher fullerenes would make macroscopic quantities available for the first time.