Question

How many pentagons and hexagons are present in one molecule of fullerene $C_{60}$?

• A. 20 pentagons and 12 hexagons
• B. 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons
• C. 30 pentagons and 30 hexagons
• D. 24 pentagons and 36 hexagons

Answer 1

The correct option is B

12 pentagons and 20 hexagons

The general name fullerene refers to the family of spheroidal carbon cage molecules. The shape of $C_{60}$ resembles that of a soccer ball. It contains 12 five-membered ring and 20 six-membered rings.

(i) There are 12 five-membered rings.

(ii) There are 20 six-membered rings.

(iii) Six-membered rings are fused to other six-membered as well as five-membered rings.

(iv) Five-membered rings are fused to only six-membered rings.

(v) There are both single and double bonds.