2.3.14

Carbon Structures - Fullerenes

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Fullerenes

Fullerenes are molecules of carbon atoms that take up hollow structures. Their structure is usually carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal (6-sided) rings, but pentagonal (5-sided) and heptagonal (7-sided) carbon rings can also be found.

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Spherical fullerenes - buckminsterfullerene

  • Buckminsterfullerene was the first fullerene that was discovered.
    • Buckminsterfullerene has a spherical shape and its formula is C60.
    • Buckminsterfullerene is technically a simple molecule because of its fixed size.
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Spherical fullerenes - uses

  • Generally speaking, spherical fullerenes come in a wide range of sizes, and their common uses include:
    • Catalysts.
    • Lubricants.
    • As vehicles for transporting drugs into our bodies.
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Cylindrical fullerenes - shape

  • Carbon nanotubes are fullerenes that take the shape of a cylinder.
  • They are often called molecular wires because they have a tiny diameter but can be incredibly long.
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Cylindrical fullerenes - strength

  • Because of the strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms, nanotubes are exceptionally strong for their size.
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Cylindrical fullerenes - uses

  • The strength and electrical conductivity of nanotubes make them useful:
    • In electronics.
    • In nanotechnology.
    • For strengthening materials (e.g. tennis racket frames).

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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