Relative dissociation energies of singly and doubly charged fullerene ions, Cnz+, for n = 52 to 70

Relative activation energies for dissociation of fullerene ions C-n(z+) into C-n-2(z+) + C-2 have been determined for z = 1 and 2, covering the size range 52 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 70. These data are derived from measured appearance energies of fragment ions, obtained by electron impact ionization of C-70, With the help of the finite heat bath theory. The present results are compared With experimental and theoretical values for C-2 loss reported in the literature. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.