Fullerene chemistry

Fullerenes are a unique class of carbon molecules shaped like hollow spheres, ellipsoids, or tubes. The most famous fullerene is "buckminsterfullerene," which resembles a soccer ball, made up of 60 carbon atoms. These structures exhibit remarkable properties, such as strength and conductivity, making them of interest in materials science, electronics, and nanotechnology. Fullerenes can trap other molecules inside, creating potential applications in drug delivery and environmental remediation. Their discovery in 1985 expanded our understanding of carbon's versatility, alongside graphite and diamonds, and opened new avenues for research in chemistry and beyond.