'Olympic rings' Molecule Olympicene in Striking Image

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18206015

The Olympicene molecule was made in honor of the upcoming summer Olympic games hosted in London. Measuring in at just over one billionth of a metre across, the molecule contains five linked rings of carbon that resemble the Olympic rings. Researchers at the University of Warwick used their knowledge of chemical bonds and behaviour to figure out how to construct this molecule thought up by Professor Graham Richards. Richards hope is that this will spark an interest in chemistry from the public and get more individuals enrolled in chemistry programs to enhance their knowledge of the molecules that surround them. As a chemistry oriented student, I personally think this molecule is pretty cool and think that it is great that chemistry is being applied to the world in a way that all people will be exposed to, not just the experts.

This is a very unique way to expose the world to chemistry, and hopefully draw peoples attention into learning more about the molecules and substances that surround them and create an interesting in chemisty worldwide in the younger generation. It is really cool how we can use science like this as a promotional tool. Also, not only does the Olympicene molecule mark the Olymipics which begin on July 27, but it is also the first success with a molecule called pentacene (five linked hexagonal rings of carbon in a line).