Formation of Odd Numbered C^-_n (n > 50) Clusters in the Fusion of Fullerenes

We observed the phenomena of fusion of fullerenes by laser desorption of chemical adduct R_nC₆₀ (R=C₆H₅CH₂) in negative ion channel. The unstable odd numbered C^-_n clusters (n>50) are readily produced under some experimental conditions, and this can be attributed to their structures possessing cross-section larger than that of the cage-like fullerenes.