Buckyball. Computer graphic of a buckyball (Buckminsterfullerene, C60) molecule. The spheres represent carbon atoms whilst the lines represent the bonds between them. The bonds link the atoms in pentagons and hexagons to form a football- shaped sphere. Buckminsterfullerene was discovered in 1985. It was the first of a range of spherical fullerenes to be found. Fullerenes are a structural form (allotrope) of the element carbon. Fullerenes have novel physical and chemical properties which can be exploited to produce new catalysts, lubricants and superconductors.