  The covalent functionalization of graphene represents a main topic in the
growing field of nano materials. The reductive exfoliation of graphite with
concomitant functionalization of the respective graphenide intermediates
provides a promising approach towards functional graphene derivatives. In this
article, we present new insights into the reductive arylation of graphene.
Graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) with varying stoichiometries have been
used as starting materials. Based on the spectroscopic data obtained by
scanning Raman microscopy (SRM) and thermogravimetric analysis coupled to mass
spectrometry (TG/MS), a clear correlation between the amount of negative
charges - present in the GIC - and the degree of functionalization in the final
product could be found. Furthermore, the detailed analysis of the thermal
defunctionalization process provided deeper insights into the covalent addend
binding.
