Magic Numbers in Mass Spectra of Xe, C2F4Cl2 and SF6 Clusters

Mass spectra of xenon clusters show pronounced intensity maxima for cluster sizes n* = 13, 19, 25, 55, 71, 87, and 147. The occurrence of these “magic numbers” is explained by shell closure of clusters growing in the icosahedral structure. Magic numbers in mass spectra of 1,2‐dichlorotetra‐fluoroethane are n* = 13 and 19. The only intensity maximum of sulfurhexafluoride clusters occurs at n* = 13, whereas a minimum is observed at n* = 18. In contrast, the size distributions of clusters of 17 other molecular gases decrease strictly monotonically with increasing size. The origin of these effects is discussed.