Other atoms can fit inside the hollow structure of Buckminsterfullerenes, leading to important applications. For example, introducing a [[lead]] or [[iron]] atom to the center will make the substance [[paramagnetic]]. A [[sugar]] in the center makes the fullerene soluble in water. A cluster of [[sulfur]] atoms makes it explosive. Also toxic molecules can be trapped there for safe introduction into the human body. By changing the ionisation potentials of the buckyballs, these trapped molecules can be released more easily. The two principal centers for producing these compounds are Umeå in [[Sweden]] and Bachelburg in [[Germany]]. | Other atoms can fit inside the hollow structure of Buckminsterfullerenes, leading to important applications. For example, introducing a [[lead]] or [[iron]] atom to the center will make the substance [[paramagnetic]]. A [[sugar]] in the center makes the fullerene soluble in water. A cluster of [[sulfur]] atoms makes it explosive. Also toxic molecules can be trapped there for safe introduction into the human body. By changing the ionisation potentials of the buckyballs, these trapped molecules can be released more easily. The two principal centers for producing these compounds are Umeå in [[Sweden]] and Bachelburg in [[Germany]]. |