Ion–Molecule Reactions in Helium Nanodroplets Doped with C₆₀ and Water Clusters

Abstract

Double trouble: The binding between C60+ and (H2O)4 is surprisingly weak in a charged C60–H2O tetramer complex formed in helium nanodroplets (see picture). Doubly charged C602+ intermediates are proposed to form by charge transfer with He+; these intermediates can trigger ion–molecule reactions that may play a role in molecular synthesis in interstellar clouds and solar nebula.