Tetrachloromethane

CCl₄

IUPAC: Tetrachloromethane

CAS: 56-23-5

Overview

Carbon tetrachloride is a dense, colorless liquid that was once widely used as a dry cleaning solvent and fire extinguisher fluid. Due to its ozone-depleting potential and liver toxicity, its use has been heavily restricted by the Montreal Protocol.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Carbon C 1 12.0110
Chlorine Cl 4 35.4500

Elemental Composition

C
Carbon ×1
7.8%
Cl
Chlorine ×4
92.2%

Uses

  • • Refrigerant precursor
  • • Solvent (now restricted)
  • • Fire extinguisher (historical)
  • • Lava lamp ingredient

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Once sold as a household product under brand names for fire extinguishing and dry cleaning

Safety

  • ⚠ Toxic to liver and kidneys
  • ⚠ Ozone-depleting substance
  • ⚠ Probable carcinogen
  • ⚠ Banned for most consumer uses

Structure

SMILES

C(Cl)(Cl)(Cl)Cl

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
153.82 g/mol
Density
1.5870 g/cm³
Melting Point
-22.9 °C
Boiling Point
76.7 °C
Solubility
0.8 g/L at 25°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
153.8725
XLogP
2.8
TPSA
0.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
0
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
5
Complexity
19.0

Also Known As

Carbon tetrachloride

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tetrachloromethane?
Tetrachloromethane (CCl₄) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Tetrachloromethane.
What is the molecular weight of Tetrachloromethane?
Tetrachloromethane has a molar mass of 153.823 g/mol.
What state is Tetrachloromethane at room temperature?
Tetrachloromethane is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Tetrachloromethane organic or inorganic?
Tetrachloromethane is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Tetrachloromethane?
Tetrachloromethane (CCl₄) is composed of Carbon (C), Chlorine (Cl).