C-60 was synthesized using 500 ms CO2 laser pulses to irradiate graphite in the presence of a buffer gas (He, Ar or N-2) at room temperature, The yield of C-60 produced at 150 Torr in He gas was a maximum of 4%, comparable to that produced by nanosecond-pulsed Nd:YAG laser ablation with the use of an electric furnace (1150 degreesC). C-60 formation is discussed in relation to the effect of the type and pressure of the buffer gas,