Fullerene C70
[CAS# 115383-22-7]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Fullerenes
• Name: Fullerene C70
• Synonyms: Buckminsterfullerene C70
• Molecular Formula: C₇₀
• Molecular Weight: 840.75
• CAS Registry Number: 115383-22-7
• EC Number: 634-223-5
• SMILES: C12=C3C4=C5C6=C7C8=C9C%10=C%11C%12=C%13C%10=C%10C8=C5C1=C%10C1=C%13C5=C8C1=C2C1=C3C2=C3C%10=C%13C%14=C3C1=C8C1=C3C5=C%12C5=C8C%11=C%11C9=C7C7=C9C6=C4C2=C2C%10=C4C(=C29)C2=C6C(=C8C8=C9C6=C4C%13=C9C(=C%141)C3=C85)C%11=C27

Properties

• Solubility: soluble (benzene, toluene)
• Density: 3.5±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*, 1.7 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: >280 °C
• Boiling point: 500-600 °C (sublimes) (Expl.)

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H319--H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264+P265-P271-P280-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P337+P317-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319

Discovery and Applications

Fullerene C70 is a unique allotrope of carbon discovered in 1985 by Harold Kroto, Richard Smalley, and Robert Curl during experiments involving laser vaporization of graphite. This discovery marked a significant advancement in nanotechnology and materials science. The molecule consists of 70 carbon atoms arranged in a closed-cage structure resembling a slightly elongated soccer ball, incorporating both pentagonal and hexagonal faces. Its structure is more elongated compared to the more widely known C60 fullerene, giving it distinct physical and chemical properties.

The synthesis of fullerene C70 typically involves the arc discharge method, where graphite electrodes are vaporized in an inert gas atmosphere, such as helium. The resulting soot contains a mixture of fullerenes, which are then separated and purified using techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Alternative methods, such as laser ablation and combustion synthesis, have also been developed to produce fullerene C70 efficiently.

Fullerene C70 has garnered attention for its unique electronic, optical, and mechanical properties. One major application is in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and solar cells, where C70 derivatives serve as electron acceptors to improve the efficiency of light absorption and charge separation. Its extended structure compared to C60 allows for enhanced photon capture in the visible spectrum, making it valuable in next-generation solar energy technologies. Additionally, C70 is used in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and as a component in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

In the biomedical field, fullerene C70 exhibits potential as an antioxidant and drug delivery agent due to its ability to neutralize free radicals. Its cage-like structure can encapsulate therapeutic molecules, allowing for targeted drug delivery with reduced toxicity. Research into its application in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment is ongoing, leveraging its photophysical properties to generate reactive oxygen species upon light irradiation.

The discovery of fullerene C70 has paved the way for the development of novel materials with applications across energy, electronics, and medicine. Continued research into its properties and functionalization holds promise for innovative technologies in multiple scientific fields.

References

2024. Structural and Optical Phenomena of Thermally Treated Fullerene-Based Nanocomposites with Metal Nanoparticles for Sensing Applications. Nanoscale Matter and Principles for Sensing and Labeling Applications.
DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-7848-9_21

2024. Kinetically Controlled Near-Equatorial Alkylation of Cs-C70(CF3)8 Dianions. Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry A.
DOI: 10.1134/s0036024424700870

2023. Zero to zero nanoarchitectonics with fullerene: from molecules to nanoparticles. Journal of Nanoparticle Research.
DOI: 10.1007/s11051-023-05693-7