Analysis of C ₆₀ derivatives by fast‐atom bombardment mass spectrometry as γ‐cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

Many C 60 derivatives form stable complexes with γ‐cyclodextrin in a ratio of 1:2. These complexes can be easily analyzed by fast‐atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB). Unlike the analysis of C 60 derivatives directly by FAB, the spectra of these complexes were characterized by molecular ions with little or no fragmentation. The analysis of these complexes by FAB provides an easy and useful approach for the characterization of C 60 derivatives. Most likely due to the size of the cavity, this approach is limited to C 60 derivatives with molecular weights not significantly larger than that of C 60 itself.