Production of Metallo-Carbohedrenes in the Solid State

Macroscopic quantities of the metallo-carbohedrenes TI 8 C 12 and V 8 C 12 have been synthesized with an arc discharge technique. Mass spectroscopy of raw soot samples generated in both an alternating and direct current arc between two metal-graphite powder composite electrodes establishes that the titanium and vanadium analogs of the metallo-carbohedrenes have been produced. An estimated yield of ∼1 percent is obtained, and significantly, the products are stable in air.