Question

Write two physical properties of Fullerene.

Answer 1

Hint: A fullerene is an allotrope of carbon whose molecule consists of carbon atoms connected by single and double bonds so as to form a closed or partially closed mesh, with fused rings of five to seven atoms. Now you can try to give an answer to this question.

Complete step by step answer:

Let’s discuss the physical properties of Fullerene -

Soft and slippery - Few covalent bonds holding the molecules together but only weak Vander Waals forces between molecules.

Brittle- Soft weak crystals and these are types of covalent substances.

Electrical insulator - No movement of electrons available from one molecule to the next. The exception could be the formation of nanotubes that are capable of conducting electricity along their length. These are the subject of some experiments in microelectronics. As an Insulating material, It can be used in cables, refrigeration pipes, etc.

Insoluble in water - There are only very weak Van der Waals attractions between the carbon atoms and the water molecules whereas the carbon atoms are bonded very tightly to one another in the molecules.

Low melting point solids - Typical of covalent crystals where only Van der Waals interactions have to be broken for melting.

Lubricant - It is also used as a lubricant in industry and as a catalyst. As a lubricant It can be used in commercial applications and as a catalyst, It is used to increase the rate of the chemical reaction.

Therefore, we discussed the physical properties of fullerene.

Note: You should also know that the family of fullerene is named after buckminsterfullerene (${ C }_{ 60 }$), the most famous member, which in turn is named after Buckminster Fuller. The closed fullerenes, especially ${ C }_{ 60 }$, are also informally called buckyballs for their resemblance to the standard ball of association football.