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.

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.

Structure of Buckminsterfullerene

Buckminsterfullerene consists of 60 carbon atoms bonded together. Each carbon atom forms covalent bonds with three other carbon atoms.

• Carbon atoms are arranged in a series of hexagons and pentagons, similar to the pattern on a football.
• There are 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons in total in a bucky ball.

The arrangement of hexagons and pentagons gives buckminsterfullerene its spherical shape, resembling a geodesic dome. The structure is highly symmetrical and stable. Each hexagon acts like the base of a bowl, with three pentagons and three hexagons surrounding it. This arrangement causes the structure to curve, resulting in a dome-like shape. Buckminsterfullerene looks like a tiny football at the molecular level. It has a diameter of about 0.7 nanometers.

Buckminsterfullerene

Properties of Buckminsterfullerene

Buckminsterfullerene possesses several interesting properties due to its unique structure.

Physical Properties

Here are some of key physical properties of Buckminsterfullerene:

• Shape: Buckminsterfullerene has a hollow spherical shape resembling a soccer ball, composed of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a series of interlocking hexagons and pentagons.
• Size: The diameter of a buckminsterfullerene molecule is approximately 0.7 nanometers, making it relatively small on the molecular scale.
• Molecular Weight: The molecular weight of buckminsterfullerene is about 720 atomic mass units (amu).
• Symmetry: Buckminsterfullerene exhibits high symmetry, with icosahedral symmetry (dodecahedral geometry) due to its arrangement of hexagons and pentagons.
• Stability: Buckminsterfullerene is highly stable and can withstand high temperatures and pressures without decomposing.
• Electron Delocalization: The carbon-carbon bonds in buckminsterfullerene allow for delocalization of electrons, leading to unique electronic properties.
• Electrical Conductivity: While buckminsterfullerene is not a metal, it can conduct electricity to some extent, particularly in its doped or modified forms.
• Solubility: Buckminsterfullerene is sparingly soluble in many solvents, including organic solvents like toluene and benzene, but it has limited solubility in water.
• Colour: In its pure form, buckminsterfullerene appears black or dark brown in colour.
• Density: The density of solid buckminsterfullerene is relatively low, around 1.65 g/cc.

Chemical Properties

Here are some of chemical properties of Buckminsterfullerene:

• Reactivity: Buckminsterfullerene is relatively inert under normal conditions and is resistant to oxidation and reduction reactions. However, it can undergo chemical reactions under certain conditions, particularly when activated by high energy sources like UV light or plasma.
• Addition Reactions: Buckminsterfullerene can undergo addition reactions with various chemical species, such as hydrogen, halogens, and radicals. These reactions typically occur at the double bonds between the carbon atoms.
• Cycloaddition Reactions: Buckminsterfullerene can participate in cycloaddition reactions, where multiple carbon-carbon bonds are formed simultaneously.
• Functionalization: Buckminsterfullerene can be chemically modified or functionalized to introduce different chemical groups or molecules onto its surface. This allows for the synthesis of fullerene derivatives with tailored properties for specific applications.
• Electrophilic and Nucleophilic Reactions: Buckminsterfullerene can act as both an electrophile and a nucleophile, depending on the nature of the reacting species. It can undergo reactions with both electron-rich and electron deficit compounds.

Synthesis of Buckminsterfullerene

Buckminsterfullerene can be synthesised through several methods. One of the earliest and most common methods is the carbon arc discharge method, which was used in the original discovery of buckminsterfullerene by Kroto, Smalley, and Curl in 1985.

In this method, a high-voltage electric arc is generated between two graphite electrodes in a chamber filled with inert gas (usually helium or argon) at low pressure. The electric arc vaporises the graphite electrodes, producing a plasma consisting of carbon atoms and clusters. The high temperature and pressure leads to the formation of fullerenes, including buckminsterfullerene. The resulting mixture of carbonaceous material is then collected on the walls of the chamber. The collected material is extracted and purified to isolate buckminsterfullerene.

Uses of Buckminsterfullerene

Buckminsterfullerene can be used in nanoelectronic transistors, diodes due to its electronic properties and molecular size. The various other applications of buckminsterfullerene is shown below:

• Fullerene nanoparticles can encapsulate drugs and deliver them to targeted sites in the body, enhancing therapeutic efficiency.
• Buckminsterfullerene derivatives are commonly used as electron acceptors in organic solar cells. This improves their efficiency and stability.
• Fullerenes play a role in improving the lubricating properties of oils.
• The large surface area, cage-like structure, and stability make it a potential candidate for efficient and safe hydrogen storage systems in hydrogen vehicles.

Conclusion: Buckminster Fullerene

Buckminsterfullerene or C₆₀ is a carbon molecule resembling a hollow football. It has a stable structure of 60 carbon atoms arranged in hexagons and pentagons. It exhibits high symmetry and stability. It is chemically inert but reacts under certain special conditions. It can be synthesised through carbon arc discharge, where an electric arc vaporises carbon atoms and forms fullerenes. It finds applications in nanoelectronics, drug delivery, solar cells, and lubrication.

Buckminsterfullerene FAQs

Why is C₆₀ called buckminsterfullerene?

C60 is named buckminsterfullerene after architect Buckminster Fuller. The structure of C60 is similar to his geodesic domes, with interlocking hexagons and pentagons.

Who discovered buckminsterfullerene?

Buckminsterfullerene was first discovered in 1985 by a team of scientists led by Harry Kroto, Richard Smalley, and Robert Curl.

What is C₆₀ used for?

Some uses of buckminsterfullerene are in nanoelectronic devices, drug delivery systems, organic solar cells, and improving the lubricating properties of oils. Its large surface area and stable structure make it a promising candidate for hydrogen storage in hydrogen cars.

Is buckminsterfullerene a non-metal?

Yes, buckminsterfullerene is a non-metal as it is composed entirely of carbon atoms. While some carbon allotropes, such as graphite and diamond, exhibit metallic properties under certain conditions, buckminsterfullerene does not.

Is buckminsterfullerene conducting?

Yes, buckminsterfullerene is conducting in nature

How many Pentagons and Hexagons are there in a buckminsterfullerene?

There are 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons in a buckminsterfullerene

What is the structure of buckminsterfullerene?

The structure of buckminsterfullerene is similar to that of a soccer.