CHM 102

FULLERENES AS FOURTH ALLOTROPE OF CARBON, USES AS NANO-

MATERIALS AND ELECTRONIC THEORY OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
BY
MR ADENIYI TAYO
CARBON
• Carbon is positioned in group IV in the periodic table with four
valence electrons.
• Carbon exhibit different allotropes
• Allotropes are different forms of the same element that exist
in the same physical state [like solid, liquid or gas] but possess
different chemical and physical properties.
• Allotropy is polymorphism in elements.
• Polymorphism occurs when a substance can exist in two or more
forms in the same state.
• The difference in the properties arise from how the atoms
within the elements are bonded together leading to varying
structures and resulting properties.
• Allotropy is the ability of an element to exist in multiple forms
• The common allotropes of carbon are diamond, graphite,
amorphous carbon which have been extended through research
to exhibit another allotrope called fullerene
• Fullerenes are a class of carbon allotropes characterized by a
closed, cage-like structure composed of fused haxagons and
pentagons.
• Each allotrope have its own unique properties and structures.
• Fullerenes are considered as the fourth allotrope of carbon
• The process for making fullerenes has to be carried out in
atmosphere of helium. In air the carbon will burn.
Properties of fullerenes
Fullerenes are a class of molecules composed entirely of carbon,
with a unique structure featuring;
Hollow spheres or ellipsoids;- Fullerenes possess a cage-like
structure with carbon atoms arranged in a network of hexagons
and pentagons.
High symmetry;- Fullerenes exhibit high symmetry which
contributes to their stability and unique properties.
Chemical reactivity ;- Fullerenes can undergoe various chemical
reactions, including addition reactions and functionalization.
Types of fullerenes
Buckminter fullerenes [C60] ;- This is the most well-known
fullerene, featuring 60 carbon atoms arranged in a soccer ball-
like structure
High fullerenes;- These are large fullerenes such C70, C76 and
C84 with varying structures and properties
Fullerenes have many uses in chemical, electrical and materials
scinece which include;
Electronic uses
Solar cells;- it is used in organic photo voltaic [opv] to generate
electricity from sunlight
Sensors; - They are used in biosensors to detect biomolecules and
other substances.
Super conductors;- Some fullerenes can become super-
conductors when combined with certain alkali metals.
Material science
Lubricants;- The small size and smooth surface of fullerenes make
them effective lubricants reducing friction.
Absorbent ;- They can absorb gases and other substances
Catalyst;- Fullerenes can be used as catalysts in various chemical
reactions
Water purification;- Fullerenes can help remove pollutants from
water
Cosmetics;- Some forms of fullerenes are used in cosmetics due to
their antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
Carbon nanotube production;- Fullerenes can be used in the
synthesis of carbon nanotubes which have a wide range of
applications.
• Nano-materials are materials which have dimension of 1
-100nano meter in structure.
Fullerenes as nanotubes
• When fullerenes are arranged in a cylindrical form, it forms
carbon nanotubes. The tubes are hollow cylinder composed of
carbon atoms often with diameter in nano-meter range.
• Carbon nanotubes are a type of fullerene in a tubular form.
• Nanotube structure;- They are typically a few nanometer wide
and can range from less than a micrometer to several
millimeters in length.
Properties of carbon nanotube
• Carbon nanotubes possess exceptional properties due to their
unique structure, including high tensile strength, electrical
conductivity and heat conductivity.
Applications
• They have various potential applications; including in
electronics, energy storage and material science.
Electronic theory in organic chemistry
• This explains organic reactions by focusing on the movement and
distribution of electrons within molecules.
• It helps to predict the reactivity and mechanism of reactions by
considering factors like;-
• Electronegativity
• Resonance
• Hybridization
It views chemical reactions as electrical transactions where reagents
interact with molecules based on their affinity for electrons or
atomic nuclei.
Concepts in the electronic theory

Electronic displacement effects; This refers to the movement of

electrons within a molecule which can influence its reactivity
and stability.
Electronegativity ;- The tendency of an atom to attract
electrons in a chemical bond.
Resonance;- This involves molecules having multiple contributing
structures each with a different distribution of electrons.
Hybridization;- This involves mixing atomic orbitals to form new
hybrid orbitals with different shapes and energies.
Electrophilic and nucleophilic reactions;- Reactions in which
electron-seeking [electrophilic] reagents attack electron-rich
sites in molecules, or electron rich [nucleophilic] reagents attack
electron-deficient sites.
Thank

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