Supramolecular fullerene chemistry

This review documents the exceptional range of research avenues in supramolecular fullerene chemistry that have been pursued during the past decade. It illustrates how molecular complexation of pristine fullerenes developed from solid state enclathration by pi-electron-rich compounds to inclusion complexation by designed macrocyclic receptors in the liquid phase. Progress in covalent fullerene functionalisation led to the development of spectacular supramolecular architectures including rotaxanes, catenanes, DNA complexes, diads and triads for photoinduced electron and energy transfer and ordered thin films. All of these molecular assemblies and supramolecular arrays feature distinct properties as a consequence of the presence of the fullerene components. Recent investigations hinting at potential technological applications of supramolecular fullerene, such as in sensorics, are highlighted.