Name: Michael
Status: other
Grade: other
Location: NC
Question:
Do any elements other than Carbon form "Bucky Ball" type
molecules?
Replies:
Cage structures somewhat similar to Buckyballs can be made from silicon,
though they are much more difficult to make, and less stable. Boron is also
theorized to be able to form a Bucky ball, although I do not think it is
actually been made yet. In general, though, carbon is unique in its ability
to efficiently form closed cages and long hollow tubes.
Although not made from one element, zeolites are a class of minerals with
tailorable pores and cages. These are used for filtration and for catalysis.
You can also make molecular 'containers' called liposomes out of surfactant
molecules. These can contain drugs or DNA, and can be designed to attach to
a specific target cell (like a cancer cell).
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