CHM 102 General Chemistry II - Fullerenes

Flashcards covering the structure, production, properties, and diverse biological and technological applications of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes.

Fullerene

An allotrope of carbon consisting of carbon atoms connected by single and double bonds made up of fused hexagons and pentagons in a closed mesh topology.

Empirical formula $C_{n}$

The representation for the closed mesh topology of fullerenes where $n$ indicates the number of carbon atoms.

$$C_{60}$$

A fullerene molecule made up of 60 carbon atoms arranged in 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons, often called Buckminsterfullerene or a football molecule.

R. Buckminster Fuller

The American architect who designed the geodesic dome for the 1967 Montreal World Exhibition, which the structure of $C_{60}$ resembles.

Electric Arc method

One of various methods for fullerene production, involving the vaporization of a graphite rod by passing a very high current through it.

Mustard colour crystals

The characteristic physical form and color of $C_{60}$ when in a crystalline state.

Wine-red solution

The color of the solution formed when $C_{60}$ is dissolved in benzene.

Birch reduction process

A chemical process that uses lithium metal dissolved in liquid ammonia to hydrogenate fullerene double bonds, leading to $C_{60}H_{36}$.

Carbon Nanotubes

Nano-materials consisting of tiny cylinders made of carbon atoms that behave as stretched-out fullerenes with high tensile strength and electrical conductivity.

Optical limiters

A application of fullerenes like $C_{60}$ that are transparent to low intensity light but opaque to high intensity light, used to protect optical sensors.

Endohedrals

Fullerenes formed by the entrapment of metal atoms inside the cavity of the fullerene sphere, which can serve as radiotracers.

Nanomedicine

The field of enclosing beneficial molecules inside fullerene balls to be directed specifically to bacteria or cancer cells for targeted release.

Methaneofulerene

A derivative of fullerene used in conjunction with certain cancer drugs to exhibit activity in tissues and allow for the slow release of the drug.

HIV Protease Inhibition

The potential medical application where fullerene interacts with the hydrophobic active site of the Human immunodeficiency virus enzyme.

Bandgap

The energy property of the molecular crystal of fullerene which is approximately $1.5\,eV$, making it a semiconductor.

Photovoltaic Paint

A concept where paints composed of fullerenes applied to building walls can generate electricity by mimicking photosynthesis.

Fire Retardant Paint

Paint containing fullerene additives that swells under high temperatures to build a dense protective layer in case of fire.

Singlet oxygen catalysis

A process involving fullerene $C_{60}$ used for water purification and protection against bio-hazards.

Technos C60 oil

A motor oil manufactured using fullerenes to provide a triple protection layer for moving metal parts.