CBr4 – Tetrabromomethane, 558-13-4

Tetrabromomethane is a chemical compound with the formula CBr4. It is a colorless crystalline solid with a sweet odor, used as a solvent and fire retardant. It is toxic and can cause harm to humans and the environment.

IUPAC NameTetrabromomethane
Molecular FormulaCBr4
CAS Number558-13-4
SynonymsCarbon tetrabromide, Tetrabromoform, Perbromomethane, Tetra-bromo-methane
InChIInChI=1S/CBr4/c2-1(3,4)5

Tetrabromomethane Properties

CBr4 molar mass

Tetrabromomethane has a molar mass of approximately 331.63 g/mol. It is a relatively heavy compound compared to other organic molecules. The molar mass of tetrabromomethane is determined by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms in the molecule. In this case, it consists of one carbon atom and four bromine atoms.

CBr4 boiling point

Tetrabromomethane has a boiling point of 189 °C (372 °F). This is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid tetrabromomethane equals the atmospheric pressure. At this temperature, the liquid tetrabromomethane will begin to boil and evaporate into a gas.

CBr4 melting point

CBr4 has a melting point of 90.5 °C (194.9 °F). This is the temperature at which the solid CBr4 transitions into a liquid. CBr4 has a relatively high melting point for an organic molecule, likely due to its high molecular weight and intermolecular forces.

CBr4 density g/ml

The density of tetrabromomethane is 3.42 g/mL at room temperature. This means that a certain volume of tetrabromomethane weighs 3.42 times more than the same volume of water. The high density of tetrabromomethane is due to its heavy molecular weight and tightly packed arrangement of atoms.

CBr4 molecular weight

The molecular weight of tetrabromomethane is 331.63 g/mol. This is the combined weight of all the atoms in the molecule. The molecular weight of tetrabromomethane is important for calculating its physical properties and for understanding its behavior in chemical reactions.

CBr4

CBr4 Structure

Tetrabromomethane has a tetrahedral molecular geometry, with the carbon atom at the center and the four bromine atoms bonded to it. The molecule has a symmetrical structure with four identical Br-C bonds arranged at equal angles around the central carbon atom. This structure gives tetrabromomethane its unique physical and chemical properties.

Tetrabromomethane formula

The formula for tetrabromomethane is CBr4. This means that it consists of one carbon atom and four bromine atoms. The formula of tetrabromomethane is important for understanding its chemical structure and for predicting its reactivity with other molecules.

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow crystalline solid
Specific Gravity3.42 g/mL
ColorColorless to pale yellow
OdorSweet
Molar Mass331.63 g/mol
Density3.42 g/mL
Melting Point90.5 °C (194.9 °F)
Boiling Point189 °C (372 °F)
Flash PointNon-flammable
Water Solubility0.0032 g/100 mL at 20°C
SolubilityInsoluble in water, soluble in benzene, chloroform, and carbon disulfide
Vapour Pressure0.006 mmHg at 25°C
Vapour Density14.2 (vs air)
pKaNot applicable
pHNot applicable

Tetrabromomethane Safety and Hazards

Tetrabromomethane can pose several hazards if not handled properly. It is harmful if ingested, inhaled, or comes into contact with the skin. Exposure to Tetrabromomethane can cause irritation, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Prolonged exposure can lead to liver and kidney damage. It is also a potential environmental hazard and should not be released into the environment. Proper precautions, including the use of protective clothing and equipment, should be taken when handling Tetrabromomethane. In case of accidental exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought. Tetrabromomethane should be stored and handled in a well-ventilated area and in accordance with proper safety protocols.

Hazard SymbolsT (Toxic)
Safety DescriptionDo not ingest, inhale, or come into contact with skin. Wear protective clothing and equipment. In case of accidental exposure, seek medical attention.
UN IDsUN 2515
HS Code2903.90.9000
Hazard Class6.1
Packing GroupII
ToxicityToxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. May cause irritation, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Prolonged exposure may cause liver and kidney damage.

Tetrabromomethane Synthesis Methods

To synthesize tetrabromomethane, researchers can brominate methane, react carbon tetrabromide with hydrogen gas, or react bromine with sodium formate.

The bromination of methane involves the reaction of methane with bromine in the presence of a catalyst, such as iron or aluminum bromide. You can separate and purify the mixture of bromomethanes resulting from the process to obtain Tetrabromomethane.

To synthesize tetrabromomethane, one can react carbon tetrabromide with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel. This reaction produces a mixture of bromomethanes, which researchers can separate and purify to obtain tetrabromomethane.

Another method for the synthesis of tetrabromomethane involves the reaction of bromine with sodium formate in the presence of sulfuric acid. Separating and purifying the resulting product of tetrabromomethane and sodium sulfate will yield tetrabromomethane.

Tetrabromomethane Uses

Tetrabromomethane has several applications in various industries due to its unique properties. Here are some of its uses:

  • Flame retardant: Used as a flame retardant in plastics, textiles, and other materials. It works by releasing bromine when exposed to heat, which inhibits the combustion process.
  • Chemical intermediate: Used as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
  • Solvent: Used as a solvent for various organic compounds, particularly in the production of pesticides.
  • Testing agent: Used as a testing agent for the detection of impurities in other chemicals.
  • Refining agent: Used as a refining agent in the production of aluminum and other metals.
  • Veterinary medicine: Used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic, or deworming agent, for the treatment of parasitic infections in animals.

Questions:

Q: Is cbr4 polar or nonpolar?

A: Tetrabromomethane (cbr4) is a nonpolar molecule due to its symmetrical tetrahedral structure and the absence of any polar bonds.

Q: Which of the following compounds are polar: cbr4, xef2, scl4, brf3, ch3oh?

A: Among the given compounds, only CH3OH (methanol) and BRF3 (bromine trifluoride) are polar molecules due to their asymmetrical molecular structures and the presence of polar bonds.

Q: Is cbr4 soluble in water?

A: Tetrabromomethane is not soluble in water due to its nonpolar nature, which is incompatible with the polar nature of water.

Q: What is the name of the compound with the formula cbr4? A: The compound with the formula cbr4 is called tetrabromomethane or carbon tetrabromide.