Characterization of fullerene derivatives by MALDI LIFT-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry

MALDI LIFT-TOF/TOF mass spectra of fullerene C$_{60}$ and six of its derivatives, methano[60]fullerene carboxylic acid, its ethyl ester, diethyl methano[60]fullerene dicarboxylate, and three isomeric tetraethyl bis-methano[60]fullerene tetracarboxylates (compounds I-VII, respectively) as model analytes were recorded and discussed. This technique used in mass spectrometry for the first time is proposed for the characterization, structure elucidation, and non-target screening of fullerenes.