Formation of C119 by thermal decomposition of C60O

Laser desorption mass spectra of thin films of pure C60O were recorded in a range of equilibrium sample temperatures from 300 to 1100 K. On heating of the sample above 650 K a new peak corresponding to C−119 is detected in the anion mass spectrum which persists even after the sample is cooled to 300 K. Possible solid state reactions leading to the formation of C119 are discussed based on the mass spectrometric observations as well as temperature programmed decomposition measurements which were carried out for C60 and C60O samples. The results are discussed in connection with recently reported polymerization reactions of fullerene materials.