Oxidation of fullerenes by ozone

Like typical alkenes, fullerenes can be oxidized by ozone. Epoxidation reaction takes place on C60, and C60On (n=1-5) are formed. Mass spectrometry and chromatography identified the stable existence of two isomers for the dioxides and three for the trioxides in the product mixtures. At lower temperatures, fragmentation occurs and results in the formation of the polar products. C70 and carbon nanotubes also react with ozone but at a much slower rate.