Carbon tetrachloride is a colorless liquid with a sweet smell. It was commonly used as a solvent, but its production and use have declined due to its harmful effects on health and the environment.
| IUPAC Name | Tetrachloromethane |
| Molecular Formula | CCl4 |
| CAS Number | 56-23-5 |
| Synonyms | Carbon tet, Tetraform, Perchloromethane, Tetrasol |
| InChI | InChI=1S/CCl4/c2-1(3,4)5 |
Carbon Tetrachloride Properties
Carbon Tetrachloride Formula
The chemical formula of carbon tetrachloride is CCl4. It represents a molecule composed of one carbon atom bonded to four chlorine atoms. The formula provides essential information about the elemental composition and arrangement of atoms within the compound.
Carbon Tetrachloride Molar Mass
The molar mass of tetrachloromethane is calculated by summing the atomic masses of its constituent elements. Carbon has a molar mass of 12.01 g/mol, while chlorine has a molar mass of 35.45 g/mol. Adding up these values, the molar mass of tetrachloromethane is approximately 153.82 g/mol.
Carbon Tetrachloride Boiling Point
Tetrachloromethane has a relatively high boiling point of 76.72°C (170.1°F). This means that at standard atmospheric pressure, the compound transforms from a liquid to a gas at this temperature. The boiling point reflects the strength of intermolecular forces within the substance.
Carbon Tetrachloride Melting Point
The melting point of tetrachloromethane is -22.92°C (-9.26°F). This is the temperature at which the solid form of the compound changes into a liquid. The melting point provides insight into the strength of the bonds holding the atoms together within the crystal lattice.
Carbon Tetrachloride Density g/mL
The density of tetrachloromethane is approximately 1.586 g/mL. Density refers to the mass of a substance per unit volume. The density of tetrachloromethane indicates that it is denser than water, which has a density of 1 g/mL.
Carbon Tetrachloride Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of tetrachloromethane is calculated by summing the atomic weights of its constituent atoms. With one carbon atom (12.01 g/mol) and four chlorine atoms (35.45 g/mol each), the molecular weight of tetrachloromethane is approximately 153.82 g/mol.
Carbon Tetrachloride Structure
The structure of tetrachloromethane consists of a central carbon atom bonded to four chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms are positioned symmetrically around the carbon atom, forming a tetrahedral geometry. This structure contributes to the compound’s properties and behavior.
Carbon Tetrachloride Solubility
Tetrachloromethane is not very soluble in water, with a solubility of around 0.8 g/L at 20°C. However, it exhibits higher solubility in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and benzene. The solubility characteristics are influenced by the intermolecular forces and polarity of the substances involved.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.586 |
| Color | N/A |
| Odor | Sweet |
| Molar Mass | 153.82 g/mol |
| Density | 1.586 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -22.92°C (-9.26°F) |
| Boiling Point | 76.72°C (170.1°F) |
| Flash Point | N/A |
| Water Solubility | 0.8 g/L at 20°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and benzene |
| Vapour Pressure | 11.9 mmHg at 20°C |
| Vapour Density | 5.3 (air = 1) |
| pKa | N/A |
| pH | N/A |
Carbon Tetrachloride Safety and Hazards
Tetrachloromethane poses significant safety hazards. It is considered highly toxic and can cause severe harm to human health. Inhalation of its vapors can lead to respiratory irritation, dizziness, nausea, and even liver and kidney damage. Skin contact with the liquid can result in burns and irritation. The compound is also a known carcinogen, posing long-term health risks. Furthermore, tetrachloromethane is environmentally hazardous, with the potential to contaminate soil and water. Due to these hazards, its production and use have been significantly restricted to minimize exposure and protect both human health and the environment. Proper handling, storage, and disposal protocols must be followed to mitigate the risks associated with tetrachloromethane.
| Hazard Symbols | T, Xn |
| Safety Description | Highly toxic; Harmful |
| UN IDs | UN 1846 |
| HS Code | 2903.14.0000 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic substances) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Acute toxicity, Carcinogenic |
Carbon Tetrachloride Synthesis Methods
Tetrachloromethane can be synthesized using different methods. One common method involves the reaction between chlorine gas (Cl2) and carbon disulfide (CS2) in the presence of a catalyst like aluminum chloride (AlCl3).
In this process, chlorine gas reacts with carbon disulfide vapor to produce tetrachloromethane and sulfur. The reaction proceeds as follows:
Cl2 + CS2 → CCl4 + S
Another method involves the reaction between methane (CH4) and chlorine gas. Under controlled conditions, methane reacts with chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) light or heat to produce tetrachloromethane and hydrogen chloride. The reaction proceeds as follows:
CH4 + 4Cl2 → CCl4 + 4HCl
The chlorination of carbon disulfide using hydrogen chloride (HCl) as a chlorinating agent produces tetrachloromethane. This reaction requires a catalyst, such as iron(III) chloride (FeCl3). The reaction proceeds as follows:
CS2 + 3HCl + FeCl3 → CCl4 + S + 2FeCl2
When synthesizing tetrachloromethane, individuals must exercise caution due to the hazardous nature of the compound. They should employ strict safety measures and appropriate equipment to ensure their well-being and prevent environmental contamination.
Carbon Tetrachloride Uses
Various applications have utilized the unique properties of tetrachloromethane. Here are some of its uses:
- Solvent: Tetrachloromethane formerly dissolved oils, fats, rubber, and waxes, serving as a solvent. However, its toxicity and environmental concerns have significantly reduced its solvent use.
- Fire extinguisher: Tetrachloromethane once extinguished certain types of fires involving electrical equipment and flammable liquids. Safer alternatives and its harmful effects led to the phasing out of its use.
- Chemical intermediate: Tetrachloromethane played a role as a chemical intermediate in producing various compounds, such as refrigerants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
- Cleaning agent: Industries previously utilized tetrachloromethane as a cleaning agent for metal surfaces and electronic components. However, health and environmental hazards prompted the preference for safer alternatives.
- Laboratory reagent: Tetrachloromethane occasionally serves as a reagent or solvent for specific reactions and extractions in laboratory settings. Chemists generally prefer safer alternatives and limit the usage of it.
It is essential to note that many of these applications have diminished or ceased entirely due to the harmful effects of tetrachloromethane on human health and the environment. Consequently, the use of tetrachloromethane has significantly declined, and alternative substances with lower toxicity and environmental impact have been adopted in various industries.
Questions:
Q: Can you still buy carbon tetrachloride substitutes?
A: Yes, there are available substitutes for tetrachloromethane that are safer and have lower environmental impact.
Q: Can you still buy carbon tetrachloride?
A: Tetrachloromethane is restricted in many countries due to its toxicity and environmental hazards, so its availability for purchase is limited.
Q: Is carbon tetrachloride legal?
A: Tetrachloromethane is subject to legal restrictions in many countries due to its harmful effects on health and the environment.
Q: Is carbon tetrachloride an alkaline or acid?
A: Tetrachloromethane is neither alkaline nor acid; it is a neutral compound.
Q: Is carbon tetrachloride polar or nonpolar?
A: Tetrachloromethane is a nonpolar molecule due to its symmetrical tetrahedral structure, resulting in equal sharing of electrons.
Q: What is the molar mass of carbon tetrachloride?
A: The molar mass of tetrachloromethane is approximately 153.82 g/mol.
Q: What is carbon tetrachloride?
A: Tetrachloromethane is a colorless liquid compound primarily used as a solvent in the past but has limited use now due to its toxicity and environmental concerns.
Q: What is the chemical formula of carbon tetrachloride?
A: The chemical formula of tetrachloromethane is CCl4.
Q: The bond in carbon tetrachloride is?
A: The bond in tetrachloromethane is covalent, with four covalent bonds between the central carbon atom and the surrounding chlorine atoms.
Q: Is carbon tetrachloride ionic or covalent?
A: Tetrachloromethane is a covalent compound, as it forms bonds by sharing electrons between the carbon and chlorine atoms.
Q: How many atoms of chlorine are in the carbon tetrachloride molecule?
A: There are four chlorine atoms in the tetrachloromethane molecule.
Q: For each solute, identify the better solvent: water or carbon tetrachloride?
A: The better solvent depends on the solute. Water is typically a better solvent for polar substances, while tetrachloromethane is better for nonpolar substances.
Q: Tetrachloromethane Lewis structure?
A: In the Lewis structure of tetrachloromethane, the central carbon atom is bonded to four chlorine atoms, with no lone pairs on the central carbon atom.