X-ray photoelectron and near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure spectra (NEXAFS) of four isomers of C58N2 are predicted by means of density-functional theory calculations. A strong isomer dependence for both types of spectra are found. The spectroscopic findings are discussed in conjunction with results from electronic and geometric structure optimizations. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.