Question

Can `C_60` be reduced?

Answer 1

Formally, the answer is yes.

Explanation:

`C_60` is formed from interconnecting, unsaturated 6-membered, and 5-membered rings. X-ray crystallography gives `1.39xx10^(-10)` and `1.45xx10^(-10)` `m` `C-C` bonds, which are certainly shorter than a regular `C-C` single bond, `1.54xx10^-10` `m`.

Fullerenes can be further reduced by the action of potassium metal to give `C_(60)""^(6-)K_6^+` and `C_(60)""^(12-)K_12^+` .