We show that the absolute frequency position of the000band inC60andC70in several different matrices/environments is altered by less than 125 cm−1. In contrast, the effect of different environmental conditions for a multi-derivatised(C70Ph10)fullerene is shown be very pronounced (c.a.2500cm−1) noting also that the presence of 10 phenyl addends greatly perturbs the fullerene cage also up toc.a.5000 cm−1relative toC70.The effect of different addends upon [70]fullerene has been studied using phenyl and fluorophenyl addends, monitored by laser-induced luminescence. Different spectral characteristics are observed, thereby demonstrating that the fullerene cage is sensitive to the type of addend present. ©2001 American Institute of Physics.