Buckminsterfullerene: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The name combines Buckminster, after architect Richard Buckminster Fuller, who designed geodesic domes, and 'fullerene', referring to a handful of new carbon structures.
• The suffix '-ene' indicates the presence of double bonds, which are common in certain types of chemical compounds.

Discovery

• This unique structure was discovered in 1985 by scientists Robert Curl, Harold Kroto, and Richard Smalley.
• The discovery was serendipitous; while researching carbon molecules, they stumbled upon these soccer ball-shaped formations.

Applications

• Researchers are exploring its use in materials science for creating stronger and lighter materials.
• Fullerenes have potential applications in drug delivery systems and electronics, including photovoltaic cells.

Cultural Impact

• This molecule was named the 1996 Molecule of the Year by the journal 'Chemical & Engineering News'.
• It has inspired artists and architects, with its geometric structure being a subject of design in various artworks and installations.

Scientific Significance

• Buckminsterfullerene is the first known molecule to form a hollow structure, which opened up a new field of chemistry known as 'nanotechnology'.
• The discovery of fullerenes has led to further research in nanotubes and graphene, revolutionizing material science.