Preparation of networks with C60 knots using anionic polymers.

Two methods to prepare controlled three dimensional structures including C-60 molecules as knots are described. For the first network synthesis, THF soluble C-60(2-)(K+)(2) is reacted with a "living" polystyrene bearing a carbanion at each end. The use of the fullerene dianion is necessary to avoid complications originating from electron transfer from the carbanions to C-60. The second method, developed to increase the functionality of the knots, consists of reacting C-60 With high functionality polystyrene stars where each branch bears at its end a carbanion. The properties of these networks based on C-60, compare well with classical PS gels.