Carbon Structures - Fullerenes
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 2.3.14
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cylindrical fullerenes - strength
- Because of the strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms, nanotubes are exceptionally strong for their size.
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).
Test yourself on Carbon Structures - Fullerenes
Name the carbon ring shapes found in fullerene structures
Why is buckminsterfullerene classed as a simple molecule?
Why are carbon nanotubes useful in electronics?
Uses of spherical fullerenes
Which use applies to spherical fullerenes but not to carbon nanotubes?