CHARGE SEPARATION PROCESSES OF MULTIPLY-CHARGED FULLERENE IONS C-60-2M(Z+), WITH 0-LESS-THAN-OR-EQUAL-TO-M LESS-THAN-OR-EQUAL-TO-7 AND 3-LESS-THAN-OR-EQUAL-TO-Z-LESS-THAN-OR-EQUAL-TO-7

Using isotope-resolved, two sector field mass spectrometric techniques we have identified and measured quantitatively the energetics and kinetics of the superasymmetric spontaneous decay reactions C-60-2m(Z+) --> C-60-2m-2((z-1)+) + C-2(+) With m ranging from 0 to 7 and z from 3 to 7. From the kinetic energy release data determined, the apparent intercharge distance derived and the metastable fractions measured in the two experimental time windows available after the electron induced production of the various multiply-charged ions, we have been able to identify the mechanism of these fragmentation reactions. This novel three-stage reaction sequence, termed here auto charge transfer (ACT) reaction, is initiated by the statistically driven neutral C-2 evaporation (predissociation) followed by an electron (charge) transfer process from the receding neutral fragment to the remaining highly-charged fullerene ion cage thereby leading finally to the observed Coulomb repulsion between the two charged reaction products.