(Invited) Discovery of Longer Fullertubes: From Synthesis to Isolation

Our recent laboratory findings are resulting in a growing list of newly discovered molecules within fullertube families. We are now isolating these individual fullertubes of increasing length in pure and pristine form. We now observe solubility of these fullertubes in organic solvents; hence it is unnecessary to use polymer wrapping or external derivatization that destroys the pristine fullertubular belt with pendant soluble groups. Initial purification and seminal characterization experiments for fullertubes in JACS, Angewandte Chemie, and Nanoscale (2020-2022) are generating excitement for application development. Likewise, investigations into the fundamental science of new fullertubes are also gathering momentum as scientists curiously and eagerly await their first characterization. For historical context, the timeline of laboratory purified and unfunctionalized (pristine) fullertubes is [5,5] C 90 -D 5h (1) in 2010, [5,5] C 100 -D 5d (1) in 2020, and [5,5] C 120 -D 5d (1) in 2022. A recurring question asked to me at conferences is “To what lengths can fullertubes be extended?” For this reason, I will discuss our most recent findings and explorations into longer fullertubes with higher aspect ratios. Figure 1