Reactivity

The constituent benzene rings in buckminsterfullerene are strained, thus are less stable with a higher energy content relative to graphite. This gives increased reactivity including electrophilic, nucleophilic and radical reactions. Although the fullerenes have only recently been discovered the interest in them has meant that already there has been a vast amount of research in to fullerenes.

• Larger fullerenes such as C70 have been discovered.

• It has also been possible to insert a metal nuclei or He atom in to the centre of C60

• This shows addition of chlorine to the outside surface of fullerene