NHC-Catalyzed Three-Component Hydroalkylation Reactions of [60]Fullerene: An Umpolung Approach to Diverse Monoalkylated Hydrofullerenes.

A novel N -heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed three-component umpolung hydroalkylation of [60]fullerene with 4-(chloromethyl)-benzaldehydes/α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and alcohols/thioalcohols has been developed for the flexible and efficient preparation of diverse monoalkylated hydrofullerenes. Organic catalysis, broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and products with high diversity and complexity levels are attractive features of this protocol.