Formation of anomalous odd‐numbered carbon cluster ions in the gas‐phase coalescence reactions of fullerenes

We report the observation of efficient coalescence reactions of fullerenes in the negative ion channel by laser desorption ionization of chemical adduct compounds of C60. Not only the even‐numbered daughter fullerenes by successive C2 losses or captures appeared, but also odd‐numbered carbon cluster anions C−N (51≤N≤65) were detected in the chemical‐fusion processes. The results suggest that the anomaly is originated from the special reaction activity of nascent C60 produced by laser‐induced dissociation of adduct compound molecules, and thereby provide a new way to open fullerene cages.