Effective formation of fullerenes by pyrolysis of decacyclene

The pyrolysis of polyconjugated hydrocarbons containing five-membered rings such as decacyclene and acenaphthylene under argon atmosphere was carried out. The vaporized source molecules were heat-treated above 700–1000°C to yield a black soot product, which was subsequently extracted with chloroform to give a black amorphous solid. Formation of C60, as the main product was confirmed by mass spectroscopy. These results indicated a new preparation process of C60 from hydrocarbons, which differs from the conventional method of vaporization of carbon. The formation mechanism of fullernes by the pyrolysis of polyaromatics is discussed.