Fullerener

Fullerener is not a widely recognized term in chemistry or materials science. It is likely a misspelling or rare variant of fullerene, the class of carbon-based molecules known for their hollow, cage-like structures. The most famous member is Buckminsterfullene, C60.

Fullerenes are molecules composed entirely of carbon, arranged in a network of pentagonal and hexagonal rings that forms a closed cage. They include spherical and ellipsoidal geometries, with C60 and C70 among the best studied members. Fullerene nomenclature typically uses the prefix C followed by the number of carbon atoms. The class was discovered in 1985 by Harold Kroto, James Smalley, and Richard Smalley, an achievement that earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996.

Synthesis and isolation of fullerenes rely on vaporizing carbon sources under controlled conditions. Common methods include arc discharge between graphite electrodes and laser ablation of graphite in inert or reducing atmospheres. Resulting soot contains fullerenes, which are extracted and purified using solvent extraction and chromatographic techniques.

Properties of fullerenes include thermal and chemical stability, a conjugated carbon framework, and the ability to undergo reversible redox reactions and various functionalizations. Their solubility is highly dependent on substituents and solvents. Functionalization enables tuning of electronic, optical, and chemical properties for applications across materials science, organic electronics, photovoltaics, and biomedicine, though toxicity and biocompatibility are active areas of study.

In common usage, the term fullerener does not replace fullerene. When referring to these molecules, fullerene or fullerenes is preferred. If encountered, fullerener is likely a typographical error or an informal shorthand for fullerene-related materials.