Comparative kinetic stability of classical and non-classical fullerenes C46

► Molecular dynamics is used to study the kinetic stability of C46 fullerenes. ► Temperature-dependent lifetimes of classical and non-classical isomers are calculated. ► Activation energies and frequency factors in Arrhenius formula are determined. ► Thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of two isomers interchange with temperature. ► Thermodynamic stability does not necessarily imply kinetic stability.