The role of small clusters in the transformation of two-ring clusters into fullerenes

Possible reactions by which small carbon molecules C₂ and C₃ can join a cluster at an intermediate assembly stage from a two-ring cluster to a fullerene are considered. For analysis of the separate stages of this type of reaction, methods of quantum chemistry are used. The generalized reaction probabilities obtained are then included into the general scheme of assembly kinetics alongside monomolecular reactions. It has been shown that at a small cluster concentration of about 10¹⁴ cm⁻³ the assembly time drops severalfold. Also given are generalized results of the effect on the assembly time of the multiplicity of paths of fullerene assembly from two-ring clusters.