# Fullerenes are a form of carbon. Buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) is a well-known fullerene. Explain why buckminsterfullerene has a low melting point compared to diamond.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.2.3 Structure and bonding of carbon · Explain · 4 marks

> Both buckminsterfullerene and diamond are made entirely of carbon atoms held together by covalent bonds.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Buckminsterfullerene consists of individual / separate molecules (whereas diamond is a giant covalent structure)
2. There are (weak) intermolecular forces between the C₆₀ molecules
3. Little energy is needed to overcome these intermolecular forces
4. Diamond has many strong covalent bonds in a giant structure which require a lot of energy to break, so has a high melting point (by contrast)

## Key terms

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

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/fullerenes-are-a-form-of-carbon-83e26043) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.