Fullerenes and fullerites: New forms of carbon

Carbon molecules with closed-cage structures are called fullerenes. Of these, the soccer-ball shaped Buckminsterfullerene C60 is the most symmetric and most fascinating species. Methods have been developed of producing bulk quantities of C60 and other fullerenes. They form crystalline solids, the fullerites. Fullerenes and fullerites are described and some of their properties are presented.