METAL-CONTAINING CARBON CLUSTERS

The results of injected-ion drift-tube studies of the structures and i somerization of metal-containing carbon clusters are described. Three basic types of geometry are observed: metal-containing rings, metal-co ntaining graphitic fragments and metallofullerenes. The nature of thes e isomers depends on the electronic properties of the metal. While onl y a few metals and stoichiometries have been examined so far, it is po ssible to begin to identify periodic trends in both the structures and properties.