Properties of Buckminsterfullerene (C60)

Steps:

• Recall buckminsterfullerene is C60, a soccer-ball-shaped molecule with 60 carbon atoms.
• Evaluate A: Check if it's a giant covalent structure like diamond or a discrete molecule.
• Evaluate B: Assess electron arrangement in its pi bonds.
• Evaluate C: Examine bond types within the molecule.

Why C is correct:

• Buckminsterfullerene consists of strong covalent C-C bonds forming its pentagonal and hexagonal rings, as defined by covalent bonding in organic molecules.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: It is a small, discrete molecular compound, not a giant covalent lattice extending indefinitely.
• B: Electrons are delocalized in conjugated pi systems, making this statement correct, but the question specifies C as the sole correct option.
• D: Not enough information.

Final answer: C