C60 AND LIQUID-CRYSTAL MESOPHASE

Buckminsterfullerene has been detected during the laser ablation of the liquid-crystal carbonization intermediate known as mesophase. Under identical experimental conditions buckminsterfullerene is more readily formed from mesophase than graphite. However, the nature of the collision gas and reaction time affect the amounts of buckminsterfullerene and other carbon clusters formed. Hydrogen gas suppresses the formation of higher C(n),n > 70, clusters relative to argon. Benzene and methane were efficient in the production of buckminsterfullerene at longer reaction times (0.1-0.5 s).