Question

The most common fullerene is\[{C_{60}}\]. 60 carbon atoms are arranged in _________ pentagons and __________ hexagons.
A.12 , 20
B.16 , 26
C.12 , 40
D.16 , 40

Answer 1

Hint: \[{C_{60}}\] is the third allotropic form of carbon. It has a cage-like fused ring structure that looks like a soccer ball.

Complete step by step answer:
Fullerene-It is an allotrope of carbon in which 60 carbons are attached in a hollow sphere (bulky balls) or in a tube like structure. It is also known as Buckminsterfullerene. It contains both single and double bonds. The general formula for Fullerene is \[{C_n}\] where \[n\] is the number of carbon atoms and it should be greater than or equal to 30.
Preparation-
\[
  graphite\xrightarrow[{He}]{{electric\,arc}}vapourisation \\
  \xrightarrow{{condensation}}fullerene\,set \\
  \xrightarrow{{chromatography}}{C_{60}} + {C_{70}} \\
 \]

Fullerene is the purest form of carbon because they don’t have any surface bonds just like graphite and diamond.
Structure:

\[{C_{60}}\] is the most stable form of carbon and looks like a soccer ball. It consists of 20 six membered rings and 12 five membered rings. In fullerene five membered rings are connected to six membered rings only but six membered are fused to both six membered and five membered rings.

So the correct answer is option A-60 carbon atoms are arranged in 12 pentagons and 60 hexagons.

Note:
As all the bonds are in between carbon atoms, the strain caused by the hindrance leads to the distortion in coplanarity of the molecule .This strain is distributed equally to all the carbon atoms.Fullerenes have many pharmaceutical applications. It can also be used as a radical scavenger and antioxidant.This can be used as a catalyst and in lubricants.