C-60 was synthesized by reducing CO2 with metallic lithium at 700 degrees C, ca. 100 MPa. The formation Of C-60 was confirmed by MALDI-TOF-MS, high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The same reaction generated a mixture of C-60(CH2)(n) (n = 1-8) at 720 degrees C. Combined with the analysis of reaction conditions, it is suggested that CO2 center dot- radical anion or other single carbon radicals from the reduction Of CO2 might be the key intermediate. Moreover, the reaction Of MgCO3 with Li at 700 degrees C also generated C-60. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.