The local density of electronic states N(E) has been measured on C-36 thin
films using scanning tunneling spectroscopy(STS). A 0.8 eV energy gap and s
harp features in N(E) with widths as small as 0.2 eV can be ascribed to the
discrete molecular energy levels predicted for the C-36 molecule, broadene
d by intermolecular interactions. However, a more complete agreement betwee
n the experimental results and theoretical predictions occurs if the system
is modeled as covalently bonded C-36 dimers and trimers. These results con
firm the molecular nature of C-36 as well as its higher reactivity as compa
red to larger size fullerenes. [S0031-9007(98)08156-3].