Generation of C59O− via collision induced dissociation of oxy-fullerene anions

We present an investigation of the anions observed during chemical ionization of C60 in the presence of nitric oxide. Within the source of a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, we initially generate a series of C60O1−4− anions. We observe that the C60O2−4− ions have a novel collision induced dissociation pattern producing C59O− and C58O2−. We speculate on a possible mechanism for the formation of these oxy-fullerene anions.