Unimolecular ion dissociation and laser-induced coalescence of hydrogenated fullerenes

The ion-fragmentation behaviour of hydrogenated fullerenes has been investigated by tandem mass spectrometry applying sector instrumentation. In addition to the expected loss of hydrogen, unimolecular decay reactions are observed featuring cage rupture by the loss of hydrocarbon moieties. The findings are discussed in comparison with the behaviour of other fullerene derivatives. The gas-phase coalescence reactivity of C60H36 has been studied utilising laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In contrast to pure fullerenes and certain organic fullerene derivatives, hydrogenated fullerenes do not readily undergo laser-induced fusion reactions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.