HIGH-TEMPERATURE PHASE-DIAGRAM OF THE FULLERENE C-60

A density-functional approximation is used to study the high-temperatu re phase diagram of a system of fullerene C60 molecules which are cons idered as rigid spheres interacting via the Girifalco [J. Phys. Chem. %, 858 (1992)] potential. We discuss the theoretical predictions toget her with the contradictory results given by computer simulations on th e existence of a conventional liquid phase for the fullerene C60. Theo ry cannot definitively settle this point but the predictions for the m elting and freezing lines are in quite good quantitative agreement wit h simulations results.