Gas phase acetylation of C ₆₀ and C ₇₀ by ion/molecule reactions

Gas phase reactions of C 60 and C 70 with the ion system of acetone under chemical ionization conditions have been studied. C 60 and C 70 can react with acetyl and oxonium ions, which come from self‐chemical ionization of acetone, to form adduct ions. In addition, C 60 and C 70 can accept protons to produce protonated ions. C 70 is more active in the above reactions than C 60 because of its stronger gas‐phase basicity. A σ‐bond between C 60 and an acyl carbon atom can be formed to produce stable acetylated C 60 ions. The above results may be relevant to the acetylation reactions of C 60 in the condensed phase.