Buckminsterfullerene

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Buckminsterfullerene is a type of fullerene with the formula C₆₀. It has a cage-like fused-ring structure (truncated icosahedron) that resembles a soccer ball, made of twenty hexagons and twelve pentagons, with a carbon atom at each vertex of each polygon and a bond along each polygon edge. It was first discovered in 1985 by Richard Smalley, Harold Kroto, and Robert Curl, who together won the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their roles in the discovery of this class of compounds. Buckminsterfullerene is named after Richard Buckminster Fuller, an architect known for the design of geodesic domes which this molecule resembles.

Properties

Buckminsterfullerene is a black solid that dissolves in hydrocarbon solvents to produce a purple solution. It is unique among the fullerenes for its high symmetry and unusual electron configuration which contribute to its ability to act as a superconductor at relatively high temperatures. The molecule is neither very hard nor soft, exhibits high electrical conductivity, and behaves as a semiconductor or even as a superconductor under different conditions.

Synthesis

Buckminsterfullerene can be produced by the evaporation of carbon in an atmosphere of inert gas in a process known as arc discharge. This method involves passing a current between two carbon electrodes in a helium atmosphere, which results in the carbon vaporizing and condensing into fullerene-rich soot.

Applications

Due to its unique structure and properties, buckminsterfullerene has potential applications in various fields including materials science, electronics, and medicine. In materials science, it is used to enhance the strength and durability of materials. In electronics, it has been explored for use in organic photovoltaics and semiconductors. In medicine, research is ongoing into its use as a carrier for drug delivery systems, particularly for targeting certain cancers.

Health and Safety

While research into the health and safety implications of buckminsterfullerene is ongoing, studies suggest that it is relatively non-toxic. However, like other nanomaterials, there is concern over potential impacts from inhalation or prolonged exposure.

See Also

• Fullerene
• Carbon nanotubes
• Graphene
• Nanotechnology