Fragmentation of Fullerenes to Linear Carbon Chains

TL;DR

This study investigates the fragmentation of fullerenes into linear carbon chains, revealing their potential observability in space through optical spectroscopy and quantum-chemical analysis.

Contribution

It provides experimental and theoretical evidence of linear carbon chains derived from fullerenes, highlighting their spectral properties and relevance to space observations.

Findings

Linear carbon chains up to 18 carbons identified

Strong UV-Vis and IR absorptions predicted for these chains

Laboratory data supports potential astronomical detection

Abstract

Small cationic fullerene fragments, produced by electron impact ionization of C60, were mass-selected and accumulated in cryogenic Ne matrixes. Optical absorption spectroscopy of these fragments with up to 18 carbon atoms revealed linear structures. Considering the recent discovery of fullerenes in Space and the very strong absorptions of long linear carbon clusters both in the UV-Vis and IR spectral regions, these systems are good candidates to be observed in Space. We present laboratory data, supported by quantum-chemical calculations and discuss the relevance of long carbon chains for astronomy.