Question

The number of carbon atoms in Buckminsterfullerene is:
A. 50
B. 350
C. 60
D. 70

Answer 1

Hint: Buckminsterfullerene belongs to the family of fullerene. It is named after Buckminster Fuller. In this molecule the small units of carbon are connected to each other by single, and double bonds; i.e. consists of 20 hexagons, and 12 pentagons interconnected to each other.

Complete step by step answer:
As we know, Buckminsterfullerene is an allotrope of carbon, connected by pentagonal, and hexagonal rings.
In this structure, the pentagons will not share an edge, found in soot.
As mentioned it belongs to the fullerene family, having the empirical formula Cn, n is the number of carbon atoms.
We know that Buckminster fullerene is also known as buckyballs, as it resembles the soccer ball.
We know it consists of 20 hexagons, and 12 pentagons; as mentioned, each carbon atom has 3 bonds.
The structure of Buckminsterfullerene is truncated icosahedron with the 60 vertices, and 32 faces.
It is considered to be the smallest fullerene molecule.
In the last, we can conclude that the number of carbon atoms in Buckminsterfullerene is 60. Hence, the correct option is (C).

Additional information:
Buckminsterfullerene has a cage-like structure, and has real world applications too. It produces violet colour when dissolved in hydrocarbon.

Note: Don’t be confused between the molecules of the fullerene family. It is a polyhedral structure, consisting of about 60-80 carbon atoms, as it is the smallest unit, so we have considered the carbon atoms to be 60 in the Buckminsterfullerene.