A simple method of preparing water-soluble C-60 at room temperature has been developed by complexing it with gamma-cyclodextrin. By this method concentrations as high as 1.0 X 10(-4) mol dm(-3) of C-60 can be solubilized in water. The complex is characterized by thermogravimetric, optical absorption, and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The optical absorption spectrum, extinction coefficient, and equilibrium constant for a 2:1 (CD:C-60) complex of C-60 With gamma-cyclodextrin are reported. With the help of picosecond and nanosecond laser photolysis techniques, the triplet characteristics of the CD-C-60 complex are determined.