Reactions of C60Cl6, C60Br8 and C60(NO2)6 with arene substrates under mild conditions afford primarily monochlorinated, monobrominated or mononitrated organic products in high yield, often with greater selectivity and reactivity than with traditional halogenation or nitration methods. The reactions have the advantages of high stereoselectivity and facile removal and recovery of [60]fullerene. No metal catalysts, gases or harsh acids are required. These results demonstrate the versatility of the functionalized fullerenes as new synthetic tools for organic synthesis.