We describe a new and inexpensive method of purifying C 60 by fractional crystallization in 1, 3-diphenylacetone. After three steps, 99.5% pure C 60 was obtained with a global yield of 69%. This method is simpler and could be cheaper than any other method presently used. Furthermore, the purity of C 60 fullerene can be increased up to 99.99% by adsorption of the residual C 70 fullerene on charcoal. The temperature dependence of the solubility of C 60 and C 70 in 1, 3-diphenylacetone was studied and a maximum of solubility was observed at 136 °C for C 60 and at 41 °C for C 70 . This peculiar solubility behaviour is discussed in the light of possible aggregation of C 60 and C 70 molecules in the solution phase.