Fullerene Structure and Properties
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Fullerene Structure and Properties
Chemistry briefing
At a science sports-day exhibition, Arjun examines a model of C₆₀. A fullerene is a form of carbon in which atoms are joined into hollow cages or tubes. The best-known fullerene, C₆₀, contains 60 carbon atoms arranged like a football: its cage has 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons. Each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms. The curved cage is a very different arrangement from the flat layers in graphite and the strong three-dimensional network in diamond. Fullerenes were discovered in 1985. In solid C₆₀, the molecules sit together but are held to one another by relatively weak forces. This helps explain why solid C₆₀ is soft and can act as a lubricant. Pure C₆₀ does not conduct electricity well, although adding other substances or changing its structure can alter its electrical behaviour. Researchers investigate fullerenes for possible uses such as carrying medicines, but many proposed applications are still being researched.
Decode the structure
Use the briefing to answer Questions 1–4.
- A form of carbon whose atoms form hollow cages or tubes
- A metal made by mixing two elements
- A chain made from repeating plastic molecules
- A compound containing carbon and oxygen
Explain the properties
Use evidence and scientific reasoning in Questions 5–8.
- Pure C₆₀ is a poor choice because it does not conduct electricity well
- Pure C₆₀ is ideal because every carbon structure conducts well
- C₆₀ must conduct well because it is made of carbon
- C₆₀ cannot be used in any technology
Evidence and investigation
Finish the investigation with Questions 9–10.
- The 1960s
- The 1970s
- The 1980s
- The 1990s
3 printable pages
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
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