C60 Molecule (Buckminsterfullerene)

C60, also known as Buckminsterfullerene, is a molecule composed of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a unique spherical shape resembling a soccer ball. This structure consists of 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons, making it part of a family of carbon allotropes called fullerenes. Discovered in 1985, it’s notable for its stability and potential applications in materials science, nanotechnology, and medicine. Its name pays homage to architect Richard Buckminster Fuller, who designed geodesic domes, mirroring the molecule's shape. Buckminsterfullerene represents a fascinating intersection of chemistry and innovative technology.