Formation of a supersonic beam of C60H2x in a Knudsen oven source containing C60 and hydrogen

The reactions of C60 with H2 and D2 were studied using a supersonic molecular beam apparatus equipped with a double Knudsen oven at temperatures ranging from 540 to 750°C and pressures between 100 and 500 Torr. Mass spectrometery analysis of the composition of the C60Hx in the supersonic molecular beam show that up to eight hydrogen atoms have been added to the C60 under these conditions. A large isotope effect has also been observed. The implications of these measurements on the mechanism of hydrogenation is discussed.