Question

Which statement is NOT CORRECT about fullerene C₆₀? 

Options

• It contains 20 six-membered rings and 12 five-membered rings

• All carbon atoms undergo sp² hybridization.

• A six-membered ring is fused with six-membered rings only. 

• A five-membered ring is fused with a six-membered ring only. 

Answer 1

A six-membered ring is fused with six-membered rings only. 

Explanation:

The molecule of fullerene C₆₀ resembles a soccer ball. It includes 12 five-member rings and 20 rings with six members. A five- or six-membered ring is fused with a six-membered ring. A five-membered ring can only be fused with a six-membered ring, though. In the fullerene C₆₀ molecule, every carbon atom is sp² hybridised and equivalent.