The Most Beautiful Molecule: The Discovery of the Buckyball (Hardcover)

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Key Phrases: soot community, most beautiful molecule, camel spectrum, Rick Smalley, University of California, Buckminster Fuller (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In the last ten years, buckminsterfullerene?better known as the buckyball?has become a celebrity among chemicals. Part of the reason is its eye-catching structure, which is shaped like a soccer ball, but it is also scientifically intriguing. Although the author (a frequent contributor to popular science periodicals) suggests that it represents one of the greatest discoveries in chemistry, he admits it has not yet delivered on part of its potential, especially for commercial applications. Nonetheless, he presents a lively and colorful story of the research in the field as well as the personalities, pressures, and conflicts. Scientists may prefer the more thorough treatment of the topic in Jim Baggott's Perfect Symmetry: The Accidental Discovery of a New Form of Carbon (Oxford Univ. Pr., 1994), but anyone interested in the current events of science will find this book entertaining and informative. Recommended for public and academic libraries.?Jan Williams, Monsanto Co., St. Louis
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

The chemical discovery of the century may well be a spherical molecule of 60 carbon atoms, named, because of its structure, Buckminsterfullerene, or buckyball, after the popularizer of the geodesic dome. Its novelty and utility, and that which sets it apart from ephemeral clusters of atoms, lie in its architectural symmetry and its stable chemical bonds. Thus, a summary of relevant electronic bonding principles precedes the historical chronology that deftly conveys the uncertainty, elation, and skepticism that attended the serendipitous detection in 1985 of this C60 molecule. Surprisingly, five frustrating years were to elapse before spectroscopic verification of its structure and the sudden parallel breakthroughs by separate investigators to practical methods of producing useful amounts of C60, as well as molecules of 60 carbon atoms, generically called fullerenes. The author speculates on potential applications of fullerenes, particularly when bonded to dissimilar elements, and examines the fruitful symbiosis of science and technology. Brenda Grazis

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 340 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (August 9, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047110938X
• ISBN-13: 978-0471109389
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,819,489 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Field Goal: a pleasantly entertaining chemistry book, March 17, 1998

By A Customer

Having read many popular science books, this one is above average. All aspects of the discovery were well explained and references are extensive. Comparison with the cold fusion fiasco is appropriate, as the furor over these two scientific episodes were coincident. The petty fights and true believer mentality are present but tempered by appropriate scientific method, which went out the window quickly with cold fusion. Well written and enjoyable. If interested in cold fusion read Gary Taubes' Bad Science

5.0 out of 5 stars The most beautiful molecule-The discovery of Bucky Ball, July 1, 2000

By	Shreyaswini (India, Karnataka) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Most Beautiful Molecule: The Discovery of the Buckyball (Paperback)

The book is exceedingly lucid in its style and very informative to all seekers of knowledge in the field of Fullerene Chemistry.Fullerene has the distinct place of being the molecule of the last century.Its applications being enormous are dealt with in an excellent way. "Nature"-a lover of symmetry is perhaps manifested as the black beauty in the form of C-60.What an insight the book provides for the prospective researchers in this discipline to seek more only to be found!

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sammy Keyes and the Art of Deception, February 2, 2005

A Kid's Review

This book is perfect for mystery lovers.Sammy Keyes and the Art of Deception is riveting tale of suspense and revalation, a thrill ride that has all the elements of a classic: romance, action/adveture, comedy, and most importantly, mystery! I loved this book. It begs you to slow down and relish it's great quality. I belive Wendelin van Draanen outdid herself with an amazing book. Again!
-Katrina C.