Fullerene C60 (CAS 99685-96-8) Buckminsterfullerene | Antioxidant Radical Scavenger, Carbon Nanomaterial for Materials, Energy & Biomedical Research

Fullerene C60 CAS 99685-96-8
Buckminsterfullerene — Antioxidant Carbon Nanomaterial & Radical Sponge

Fullerene C60 (CAS 99685-96-8), buckminsterfullerene, is a closed-cage sp2-carbon allotrope of 60 atoms (~0.7 nm diameter) with exceptional radical-scavenging ('radical sponge') capacity. It is a foundational nanomaterial for photovoltaics, battery anodes, lubrication, cosmetics and emerging biomedical/photodynamic research. Molecular formula C60, MW 720.64. Research-grade with COA.

Fullerene C60 Buckminsterfullerene Radical Sponge Antioxidant Nanomaterial Photovoltaics Cosmetics Carbon

Request a Quote Technical Specs

720.64

MW (C60)

Carbon atoms

~0.7 nm

Diameter

Molecular Information

Name: Fullerene C60
CAS: 99685-96-8
Formula: C60
MW: 720.64 g/mol
Class: Fullerene (Ih symmetry)
Core: Closed-cage sp2 carbon (60 atoms)
Diameter: ~0.7 nm
Appearance: Dark brown/black powder
MP: >280 C
Synonyms: Buckminsterfullerene / Buckyball
Storage: Sealed, dry, dark

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CAS Number

99685-96-8

⚖️

Molecular Weight

720.64

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Primary Activity

Radical Scavenger

✅

Purity

≥99.5%

Product Technical Specifications

Complete physicochemical properties and QC parameters for Fullerene C60 (CAS 99685-96-8)

📋 Physicochemical Properties

Product NameFullerene C60 (Buckminsterfullerene)
IUPAC CoreBuckminsterfullerene (C60, Ih symmetry)
CAS Number99685-96-8
SynonymsBuckminsterfullerene; Buckyball; [60]Fullerene
Molecular FormulaC60
Molecular Weight720.64 g/mol
SourceSynthetic (arc/discharge or combustion soot)
AppearanceDark brown to black powder (crystalline)
Melting Point>280 C (sublimes/decomposes)
Water SolubilityInsoluble (pristine)
Organic SolubilityToluene, benzene, CS2, aromatic solvents
Compound ClassCarbon allotrope / fullerene
HS Code3801.90

🔬 Quality Control & Handling

Purity (HPLC/UV)≥99.5%
FormCrystalline powder
Primary ActivityRadical scavenger ('radical sponge'); nanomaterial platform
Assay ReadoutRadical uptake capacity; triplet-state / singlet-oxygen generation (PDT)
FunctionalizationEnables fullerol, PCBM and derivative synthesis
StorageSealed, dry, protected from light
HandlingAvoid dust inhalation (N95); gloves/eye protection
ShippingRoom temperature
QC DocumentationCOA / UV-Vis / MS / MSDS
Pack Sizes1g / 5g / 10g / 100g / 1KG
Stock StatusIn Stock
Use StatementResearch use only; not for human/clinical use

Key Molecular Targets & Pathway Nodes

C60 is not a receptor ligand but a physical nano-scaffold whose reach spans radical chemistry, materials science and emerging biology.

🧲 Conjugated Pi-System 🧯 Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) 🧯 Free Radicals (radical sponge) ☀️ Singlet Oxygen (PDT) 🔆 Photovoltaic / OPV 🔋 Li-ion Anode 🧴 Cosmetics / Sunscreen 🧬 Antioxidant Biology 🦠 Antimicrobial (photo) 🔬 Nanomaterial Platform ⚗️ Functionalization (PCBM) 🧪 Lubrication

How Fullerene C60 Works: The Radical-Sponge Nanocage

Delocalized pi-electrons let the C60 cage absorb dozens of radicals and harvest light — a unique dual chemistry

Delocalized Pi-Electron Cage

The 60 sp2 carbons form a closed truncated-icosahedron with a fully conjugated pi-system. This electron-rich, symmetric cage is exceptionally stable and can sequentially accept many electrons/radicals — the origin of the 'radical sponge' descriptor.

Radical Scavenging & Antioxidant Action

C60 can quench large numbers of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (superoxide, hydroxyl, peroxyl radicals) by accepting unpaired electrons onto the cage. In biological and materials contexts this confers potent antioxidant behavior, though aggregation and solvent/dispersibility govern actual activity.

Light Harvesting & Photodynamic Behavior

Upon photoexcitation C60 generates long-lived triplet states that transfer energy to oxygen, producing singlet oxygen — the basis of photodynamic therapy and of its role as an electron acceptor in organic photovoltaics (e.g., PCBM). Functionalization (hydroxylation to fullerol, methano-fullerenes) tunes solubility and bioactivity.

⚖️ Pristine C60 vs Functionalized Derivatives

Pristine C60 (this)Hydrophobic; toluene-soluble; radical sponge
Fullerol (C60(OH)n)Water-soluble polyhydroxylated derivative
PCBMMethano-fullerene; OPV electron acceptor
Gd@C60 / endohedralMRI/contrast research
Solubility Trade-offDerivatization enables aqueous use
Research UseDepends on dispersion needs

♻️ Downstream Biological & Material Consequences

ROSPotent radical quenching capacity
PhotochemistrySinglet-oxygen generation (PDT)
MaterialsElectron acceptor / anode additive
BiologyAntioxidant & cytoprotective (dispersible forms)
AntimicrobialPhoto-activated (some derivatives)
ToxicologyAggregation/dispersion-dependent

Research Applications & Models

From a Nobel-winning discovery to a workhorse of nanotechnology, C60 bridges physics, energy, cosmetics and medicine.

☀️

Photovoltaics & OPV

A premier electron acceptor in organic and perovskite solar cells (classic PCBM derivatives); studied for charge separation and device efficiency.

Electron Acceptor

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Energy Storage

Investigated as lithium-ion battery anode additive and supercapacitor material exploiting high surface area and electron capacity.

Battery Anode

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Cosmetics & Skincare

Used in premium antioxidant/sunscreen formulations for ROS scavenging and UV-filter synergy; subject to regional regulatory review.

Anti-Aging Skin

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Antioxidant / Biomed Research

Studied (often as dispersible derivatives) for cytoprotection against oxidative stress, neuroprotection and anti-aging models — the 'radical sponge' concept.

Radical Scavenger

⚕️

Photodynamic Therapy

Photoexcited C60 generates singlet oxygen to ablate cancer cells and microbes; researched for tumor and antimicrobial PDT.

PDT

🦠

Antimicrobial Research

Some C60 derivatives show photo-activated antimicrobial activity against bacteria and resistant strains.

Antimicrobial

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Nanomaterial Platform

A building block for endohedral (metal-encapsulated) fullerenes, fullerols and conjugates in drug-delivery and imaging research.

Functionalization

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Lubrication & Materials

Molecular ball-bearing behavior reduces friction/wear; used in tribology and as a filler in high-performance composites.

Lubrication

Key Literature & Landmark Publications

Landmark references on fullerene discovery and applications.

Kroto HW, Heath JR, O'Brien SC, Curl RF, Smalley RE. C60: Buckminsterfullerene. Nature. 1985;318(6042):162-3. (Nobel discovery).

doi: 10.1038/318162a0

Hirsch A, Brettreich M. Fullerenes: chemistry and reactions. (fullerene chemistry reference).

Landmark reference

Bakry R, et al. Medicinal applications of fullerenes. (biomedical review).

Landmark reference

Review. Fullerene derivatives in organic photovoltaics. (PCBM).

Landmark reference

Review. C60 as a radical sponge: antioxidant chemistry.

Landmark reference

Available Sizes & Ordering

Research-grade Fullerene C60 (CAS 99685-96-8) with full QC documentation; standard packs and bulk custom quantities supported.

Tier	Pack Size	Stock Status	Suitable For	Lead Time
Standard	1g	In Stock	Radical/antioxidant & materials screening	Same/next-day ship
Medium	5g	In Stock	Photovoltaic & battery research	Same/next-day ship
Large	10g	In Stock	Cosmetic & PDT formulation studies	Same/next-day ship
Bulk	100g	In Stock	Nanomaterial & composite development	Quote to confirm
Industrial	1KG	Made to order	Pilot/production scale, CMO supply	Batch delivery

💡 Reference sizes shown above; for exact pricing and availability please contact us for a quote. Bulk orders qualify for tiered discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Fullerene C60?

Fullerene C60 (CAS 99685-96-8), or buckminsterfullerene, is a closed-cage allotrope of 60 sp2-hybridized carbon atoms arranged like a soccer ball (~0.7 nm diameter) with Ih symmetry. Its delocalized pi-system makes it a powerful radical scavenger ('radical sponge'). Formula C60, MW 720.64. It won the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Why is it called a 'radical sponge'?

The conjugated cage can sequentially accept many unpaired electrons/radicals, quenching large numbers of ROS and free radicals. This underpins its antioxidant reputation in materials and (dispersible) biological contexts — though how well it works in vivo depends heavily on dispersion and derivatization.

Is C60 soluble?

Pristine C60 is insoluble in water but dissolves in aromatic and nonpolar solvents such as toluene, benzene and carbon disulfide (giving the iconic purple solution). For aqueous or biological use it must be functionalized — e.g., fullerol (hydroxylated) or methano-fullerenes like PCBM.

What are its main research applications?

Organic/perovskite photovoltaics (as an electron acceptor), lithium-ion battery anodes, cosmetics/antioxidant skincare, photodynamic and antimicrobial therapy, lubrication (molecular ball-bearing), and as a platform for endohedral/functionalized fullerene derivatives in imaging and drug delivery.

Is C60 safe / how should it be handled?

Treat pristine C60 powder as a fine dust: avoid inhalation (N95 mask), use gloves and eye protection, and store sealed, dry and protected from light. Toxicity is dispersion-dependent and context-specific; this material is research-grade, not for human consumption.

What does photodynamic therapy use it for?

Upon illumination, C60 produces singlet oxygen that is cytotoxic to targeted cells — the basis of fullerene-based PDT for tumors and microbes. Functionalized, more soluble derivatives are typically used to improve bioavailability.

Is QC documentation provided?

Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) including purity (HPLC/UV-Vis), MS/structural confirmation and MSDS. Certificates of Origin are available on request.

Need Fullerene C60 (Buckminsterfullerene) for Your Research?

Research-grade Fullerene C60 (CAS 99685-96-8) — purity ≥99.5% HPLC, COA included
The iconic 'buckyball' radical sponge for materials, energy, cosmetic and photodynamic research — request a quote today

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Weight	1 g

CAS 99685-96-8 Fullerene C60 Powder Pure Buckyballs Nanocarbon Material for Skin Care and New Energy Research