Computer graphics ball & spoke representation of the molecular structure of the fullerene C70, a novel form of pure carbon. The family of hollow spher

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Computer graphics ball & spoke representation of the molecular structure of the fullerene C70, a novel form of pure carbon. The family of hollow spheroid fullerene molecules was first described by Huffman et al in 1990. The most abundant, C60, has 60 carbon atoms packed in an icosahedral pattern of 20 hexagons similar to that of a panelled football. C70 has 25 hexagons & resembles a rugby ball. Giant fullerenes comprised of 240, 540 & 960 atoms of carbon have also been isolated. Their collective name derives from that of Richard Buckminster Fuller, the architect who used icosahedral geometry in his geodesic domes.

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Size: 3799px × 2480px
Photo credit: © CLIVE FREEMAN/BIOSYM TECHNOLOGIES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: allotrope, buckminsterfullerene, buckyball, c70, carbon, chemical, chemistry, compound, compounds, crystal, fullerene, icosahedral, molecule, molecules, organic, packing