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A novel fullerene–Ru–porphyrin conjugate (3b) for Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) film deposition has been synthesized. The side polar chain that characterizes the complex is necessary to introduce enough amphiphilicity in these otherwise non-polar moieties. The complex can be deposited on solid substrates via the LB technique and the films obtained show charge separation upon light irradiation. In addition, a careful cyclic voltammetry study of the complex is reported.

A family of N-methylpyrrolidinium fullerene iodide salts, possessing one (or two) solubilizing chain- (s), has been synthesized. As evidenced by CV and steady-state voltammetry experiments, carried out in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solutions, these species show enhanced electron-accepting properties with respect to both the parent fulleropyrrolidines and C60. CV measurements performed at -60 °C and scan rates of 50 V/s, made possible by the use of ultramicroelectrodes, have allowed the observation, for the first time in fullerene derivatives, of six fullerene-centered reductions. Bulk electrolysis of these novel compounds, performed at the stage of the first reduction potential, generates a stable zwitterion, with both anion and cation located on the fullerene derivative.