Towards the synthesis and characterization of metallocarbohedrenes

Metallocarbohedrene, Ti8C12, has been synthesised in the solid state by resistive evaporation of Ti-covered graphite electrodes in a dynamic helium atmosphere. It forms along with other Ti-containing clusters, all of which are air sensitive. Exposure of the soot to electron-rich molecules increases air stability. The clusters are evaporated thermally yielding chemical ionization mass spectra. The ions do not fragment significantly upon collisional activation. Vacuum evaporation of the soot yields a Ti-containing film. The infrared spectrum of the soot shows characteristic peaks attributable to molecular compounds which change rapidly upon exposure to air.