| − | [[Buckminsterfullerene]] is an [[allotrope]] of [[carbon]]; it is the only molecular form, at C<small><sub>60</sub></small>It was jointly discovered by Sir Harold Kroto, Richard E. Smalley and Robert F. Curl who received the 1996 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for their work. It was named after the [[geodesic]] architecture of [[Richard Buckminster Fuller]], which it resembled. It is commonly referred to as a "buckyball", in reference to its [[soccer]]-ball-like structure.
| + | '''Buckminsterfullerene''' is an [[allotrope]] of [[carbon]]; it is the only molecular form, at C<small><sub>60</sub></small>It was jointly discovered by Sir Harold Kroto, Richard E. Smalley and Robert F. Curl who received the 1996 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for their work. It was named after the [[geodesic]] architecture of [[Richard Buckminster Fuller]], which it resembled. It is commonly referred to as a "buckyball", in reference to its [[soccer]]-ball-like structure. |
| − | Interesting in these molecules is that they can fit other atoms into their hollow structure. This can have important applications. For example, introducing a [[led]] 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 [[sulphur]] atoms makes it expolosive. Also toxic molecules can be trapped there for safe introduction into the human body. The two principal centres for producing these compounds are Umeå in [[Sweden]] and Bachelburg in [[Germany]]. | + | Interesting in these molecules is that they can fit other atoms into their hollow structure. This can have 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. The two principal centres for producing these compounds are Umeå in [[Sweden]] and Bachelburg in [[Germany]]. |