What is Buckminsterfullerene?
Buckminsterfullerene or C60, is a molecule composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a hollow sphere. It belongs to the fullerene family, which includes other carbon allotropes like graphene, and carbon nanotubes.
Discovery of Buckminsterfullerene
Buckminsterfullerene was first discovered in 1985 by a team of scientists led by Harry Kroto, Richard Smalley, and Robert Curl. Their discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996.
Molecular Formula for Buckminsterfullerene
Buckminsterfullerene has the molecular formula C60 consisting of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a sphere of interlocking hexagons and pentagons.
Buckminsterfullerene(C60)
Buckminsterfullerene(C60), often called “buckyball” is an allotrope of carbon. It is entirely composed of 60 carbon atoms. It is named after architect Buckminster Fuller due to its resemblance to the geodesic domes he designed. Its structure resembles a hollow sphere or a soccer ball, consisting of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a series of interlocking hexagons and pentagons.
Buckminsterfullerene was first discovered in 1985 by a team of scientists led by Harry Kroto, Richard Smalley, and Robert Curl. Their discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996. In this article, we will learn in detail about Buckminsterfullerene, its properties, structure, synthesis and applications.
Table of Content
- What is Buckminsterfullerene?
- Structure of Buckminsterfullerene
- Properties of Buckminsterfullerene
- Synthesis of Buckminsterfullerene
- Uses of Buckminsterfullerene
- Conclusion: Buckminster Fullerene