FORMATION OF A SUPERSONIC BEAM OF C60H2X IN A KNUDSEN OVEN SOURCE CONTAINING C-60 AND HYDROGEN

The reactions of C-60 with H-2 and D-2 were studied using a supersonic molecular beam apparatus equipped with a double Knudsen oven at tempe ratures ranging from 540 to 750 degrees C and pressures between 100 an d 500 Torr. Mass spectrometery analysis of the composition of the C60H x in the supersonic molecular beam show that up to eight hydrogen atom s have been added to the C-60 under these conditions. A large isotope effect has also been observed. The implications of these measurements on the mechanism of hydrogenation is discussed.