Tag: Fullerene

Trace amounts of C60, a unique carbon allotrope also known as buckminsterfullerene, have been detected in some of the most extreme environments on Earth and in space. Unlike commonplace materials like diamond or graphite, the natural source of C60 is not a steady geological process but rather involves high-energy, chaotic events. Its existence confirms that complex carbon molecules can form under extraordinary natural conditions.

Discovered in 1985 by Harold Kroto, Robert Curl, and Richard Smalley, the C60 molecule consists of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a distinctive soccer ball-like shape. This unusual structure is why another name for C60 is buckminsterfullerene, also known by the common nickname "buckyballs".

Despite a common misconception, C60 (Carbon 60) is not naturally present in any foods and must be synthesized in a laboratory. This unique carbon molecule, known for its powerful antioxidant properties, is a product of laboratory synthesis, though it is often combined with edible oils for supplementation.

Since its discovery in 1985, the buckminsterfullerene molecule, or C60, has captivated scientists and health enthusiasts with its unique cage-like structure. Research into the potential benefits of C60 for humans has revealed a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, though much of the evidence remains preclinical.