Buckyballs. Computer artwork zoom-effect of C60 buckyball (Buckminsterfullerene) molecules. Spheres in these C60 (60 carbon) molecules represent carbon atoms whilst the lines represent the bonds between them. The bonds link the atoms in pentagons and hexagons to form football-shaped structures. 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.