Buckminsterfullerene molecule. Animation of the structure of a molecule of buckminsterfullerene (C60), a structural form (allotrope) of carbon. The carbon (C) atoms (dark grey spheres) are bonded together as pentagon or hexagon structures. These in turn are connected to form the ball structure. The first fullerene was discovered in 1985. Since then, fullerenes have been synthesised that range from 36 to hundreds of carbon atoms in size. Their novel physical and chemical properties can be exploited to make new catalysts, lubricants and superconductors. This alpha channel animation is also available with white and black backgrounds.