Fullerene


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Fullerene

Fullerenes are recently discovered allotropic forms of carbon. The first known fullerenes was C 60 which contains 60 carbon atoms with traces compounds containing even up to 370 carbon atoms. Fullerene (C60) was named buckminster fullerene after American architect Buckminster Fuller.

Structure of Fullerenes :-

  • Fullerenes contain 60 carbon atoms arranged in a round molecule resembling a soccer ball. C60 molecule has marvelously symmetrical structure.
  • C60 molecule is a fused ring of aromatic system containing 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons of C atoms. The structure bends around and closes to form  a soccer ball shaped molecule.
  • The five membered rings are connected to six membered rings while the six membered rings are fused to both five and six membered rings.
  • Fullerenes were first prepared by the evaporation of graphite using a laser.
  • These can be conveniently made by heating graphite in an electric arc in the presence of helium or argon.
  • Fullerene looks different from diamond and graphite.
  • It is a yellow powdery substance and are soluble in organic solvents and form coloured solutions. It turns pink on  dissolution in solvents like toluene. It Polymerizes on exposure to U.V. radiations.
  • Fullerenes are fascinating because they show unusual characteristics and applications like, they are wonderful lubricants because the balls can roll between the surfaces.        
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    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    Which of the following does not depict properties of fullerenes?
     

    Right Option : C
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    Question : 2

    C60 molecule is a fused ring of aromatic system containing __________

    Right Option : B
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    Which of the following allotrope of carbon is used as Antioxidant ?

    Right Option : C
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