Question

properties of fullerene

Answer 1

Graphite

Crystal structure: In graphite, atoms of a single crystal are arranged in a hexagonal ring in a single plane. The bonds between the carbon atoms of two single crystals in the parallel planes are weak. Thus, one plane can easily slide over another plane by applying pressure. This is why graphite is soft and can be used as a lubricant.



Physical properties: The physical properties of graphite are:

It is dark grey solid, having lustre.It is a very good conductor of heat and electricity.It is opaque to light.Its specific gravity is 2.2.It is opaque to X-rays, ultraviolet rays, and visible light rays.

Chemical properties: The chemical properties of graphite are:

Action of air or oxygen: Graphite does not burn in air. However, if graphite is heated in air, then it catches fire at 700oC and forms a mixture of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Action of sodium carbonate: Like diamond, graphite also form sodium oxide and carbon monoxide when heated with solid sodium carbonate.  



Uses: The various uses of graphite are:

It is used in making lead pencils.It is used in making electrodes.It is used as a dry lubricant.It is used as a moderator in a nuclear reactor.

Answer 2

Properties of Fullerene Molecules

The three-dimensional spherical fullerene molecule has unique chemical, physical, and physico-chemical properties, which include the following:

The molecule can act as a semiconductor, conductor and superconductor under specific conditionsFullerenes can display the photochromic effect, which is a change in light transmission based on intensityAbility to form compounds with many different sorts of material including the ability to retain other substances inside the molecule and the ability to absorb free radicalsFullerenes are relatively safe and inert, and yet have properties that allow the substance to create active derivatives