The binding energy curve peaks in the middle, which means that you can release energy both by splitting big atomic nuclei and by combining little ones. (sciencemag.org)
This is an excellent complement to the faster burning C8 and C10 chains, allowing for a longer energy curve and an optimized digestive experience. (onnit.com)
The Sun derives most of its heat by the fusion of deuterium into helium.8 The peak of the binding energy curve (above) is around 60 AMU (near iron), so fusion normally9 merges into nuclei lighter than 60 AMU. (creationscience.com)