# Buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) is a fullerene used in medical drug delivery systems. Explain why C₆₀ has a low melting point and does not conduct electricity, despite being made entirely of carbon atoms joined by covalent bonds.

> OCR A-Level Chemistry A (H432) — 2.4 Electrons, bonding and structure · Explain · 5 marks

> Buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) is a molecule made of 60 carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal and pentagonal rings to form a hollow sphere. It is a solid at room temperature but melts at a relatively low temperature compared to other carbon structures.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. C₆₀ exists as simple molecules (not a giant covalent structure)
2. There are intermolecular forces between the C₆₀ molecules
3. The intermolecular forces are weak, so little energy is needed to overcome them
4. There are no delocalised electrons (free to move) in C₆₀
5. Without delocalised (free/mobile) electrons, charge cannot be carried so C₆₀ does not conduct electricity

## Key terms

- [covalent bond](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/covalent-bond)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Chemistry A (H432)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/buckminsterfullerene-c-is-a-fullerene-used-169d6851) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.