Questions and Answers
Which of the following shapes do fullerenes NOT typically take?
What is the most famous fullerene, often referred to as C₆₀?
What happens to fullerene as the temperature is increased?
What type of bond connects the carbon atoms in fullerenes?
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How does the structure of fullerenes contribute to a large number of isomers?
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What type of materials are carbon nanotubes considered due to their properties?
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What structure do carbon nanotubes exhibit?
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Which of these is NOT a characteristic feature of fullerenes?
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Which application is associated with the properties of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes?
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What type of molecular formation is found in fullerenes?
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Study Notes
Fullerene Overview
- Fullerenes are a unique form of carbon allotropes with various structural properties and applications.
- Characterized by closed-cage formations including hollow spheres (like C60), ellipsoids, and tubes.
- Forms include carbon nanotubes, heterofullerenes, and metallofullerenes.
Physical Properties
- Chemical formula: C60
- Molar mass: 720.66 g·mol−1
- Appearance: Dark needle-like crystals
- Density: 1.65 g/cm³
- Sublimation point: ~600 °C (1,112 °F; 873 K)
- Insoluble in water, but can dissolve in organic solvents (e.g., toluene, chlorobenzene) by adding polar groups for water solubility.
Chemical Properties
- Ionization enthalpy: 7.61 eV (733.39 kJ/mol).
- Electron affinity: 2.6-2.8 eV (250.75-270.17 kJ/mol).
- Fullerenes act as stable electrophiles and can participate in reactions such as cyclopropanation, amination, and 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition.
- Act as electron-accepting groups; characterized as oxidizing agents.
- Exhibits superconductivity when doped with alkali or alkaline earth metals.
- Some types are inherently chiral and possess ferromagnetic properties.
Types of Fullerenes
- Carbon Nanotubes: Cylindrical structures with high tensile, thermal conductivity, and exceptional electrical properties; widely used in electronics.
- Heterofullerenes: Fullerenes with non-carbon atoms affecting electronic and chemical properties; used in advanced materials.
- Metallofullerenes: Encapsulate metal atoms, exhibiting unique magnetic, electronic, and catalytic properties; utilized in catalysis and material science.
Synthesis of Fullerenes
- Initially synthesized through laser vaporization of carbon in inert atmospheres.
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Electric Arc Heating of Graphite:
- Involves an electric arc created between graphite rods in an inert atmosphere.
- Produces soot containing extractable fullerenes.
- Fullerenes extracted using toluene as a solvent and purified via rotary evaporator, primarily yielding C60.
- Laser Irradiation of PAHs: Aiming to create fullerene homologues that are not easily obtained through other methods.
Structural Characteristics
- Structure is based on fused rings of carbon, typically bonded to three others, forming stable cage-like formations.
- Various isomers and homologous series exist, providing versatility in physical and chemical properties.
- As temperature increases, fullerenes can transition to different forms, such as C70.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of fullerenes, focusing on their unique properties and behaviors. This quiz covers important characteristics such as ionization enthalpy, electron affinity, and structural transformations under varying pressures. Test your knowledge on the chemical and physical properties of C60 and its implications in chemistry.
