SONOCHEMICAL SYNTHESIS OF C60H2

C{sub 60}H{sub 2} has been synthesized by ultrasonically irradiating solutions of C{sub 60} in decahydronaphthalene. This synthesis can be understood as a secondary reaction arising from the production of atomic hydrogen during sonolysis of the solvent. Continued sonication results in the eventual disappearance of both C{sub 60} and C{sub 60}H{sub 2} from the solution as monitored by UV - vis spectrophotometry. This disappearance, along with the complete absence of more highly hydrogenated derivatives, suggests that the C{sub 60} experiences a high-energy environment during ultrasonic irradiation. 34 refs., 8 figs.