Question

Explain the structure of Buckminsterfullerene.

Answer 1

Structure of Buckminsterfullerene -

• The first fullerene was prepared artificially in 1985 by R. Buckminster Fuller. Hence it was named Buckminsterfullerene.
• A molecule of fullerenes can have about 30 to 900 atoms of carbon such as C₃₂, C₅₀, etc.
• Molecules of fullerenes form either cage-like or cylinder in shape.
• Its molecules are composed of 60 carbon atoms (C₆₀).
• The C₆₀ arrangement of carbon looks like a dome structure.
• The shape of buckminsterfullerene or buckyball looks like a soccer ball and has 12 pentagonal and 20 hexagonal faces.

Structure of Buckminsterfullerene