Buckminsterfullerene: meaning, definitions and examples

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Buckminsterfullerene

 

[ ˌbʌkmɪnstərˈfʊlərin ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemistry molecule

Buckminsterfullerene, commonly known as 'buckyballs', is a spherical molecule composed of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a structure that resembles the shape of a soccer ball. It is a member of the fullerene family of carbon allotropes and has unique properties that make it of interest in materials science and nanotechnology.

Synonyms

C60, buckyball, fullerene

Examples of usage

  • The discovery of Buckminsterfullerene revolutionized the field of nanotechnology.
  • Researchers are exploring the use of Buckminsterfullerene in drug delivery systems.
  • Buckminsterfullerene exhibits remarkable strength and stability.
  • Scientists have synthesized new derivatives of Buckminsterfullerene for various applications.

Translations

Translations of the word "Buckminsterfullerene" in other languages:

🇵🇹 Buckminsterfullerena

🇮🇳 बक्मिंस्टरफुलरीन

🇩🇪 Buckminsterfulleren

🇮🇩 Buckminsterfullerene

🇺🇦 Бакмінстерфуллерен

🇵🇱 Buckminsterfulleren

🇯🇵 バクミンスター・フラーレン

🇫🇷 Buckminsterfullerène

🇪🇸 Buckminsterfullereno

🇹🇷 Buckminsterfullerene

🇰🇷 버크민스터풀러렌

🇸🇦 باكمنستر فولرين

🇨🇿 Buckminsterfulleren

🇸🇰 Buckminsterfulleren

🇨🇳 巴克敏斯特富勒烯

🇸🇮 Buckminsterfulleren

🇮🇸 Buckminsterfullerene

🇰🇿 Бакминстерфуллерен

🇬🇪 ბაქმინსტერფულერენი

🇦🇿 Bakminstefullerene

🇲🇽 Buckminsterfullereno

Word origin

The term 'Buckminsterfullerene' was coined in 1985 by researchers Robert Curl, Sir Harold Kroto, and Richard Smalley, who discovered the molecule while conducting experiments to understand the nature of carbon-based materials. The name is derived from the architect and inventor Buckminster Fuller, known for his geodesic dome designs, which visually resemble the structure of the molecule. The discovery was significant as it was the first time a new form of carbon was found since the identification of graphite and diamond. Buckminsterfullerene's unique arrangement of carbon atoms has opened numerous avenues for research into its applications in various fields, such as electronics, materials science, and biomedicine. Since its discovery, further fullerenes and various derivatives have been synthesized, leading to extensive studies on their properties and potential uses.