The invention relates to spherical active carbon having the following pore size distribution: a) 1.2 1.7 nm: 20-50%, b) 1.7 2.1 nm: 20-50%, c) 2.1 2.5 nm: 10-25%, d) 2.5 2.9 nm: 3-15%, e) 2.9 3.3 nm: 1-10%. The sum of a) to e) is at least 88%. The difference between the sum of a) to e) in relation to 100% corresponds to a proportion of pores having a diameter of <1,2 nm and/or >3,3 nm. The fractal dimension of the open porosity is at least 2.30.