Carbon tetrachloride

Carbon tetrachloride, also known as tetrachloromethane or carbon tet, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CCl₄.

Properties

Chemical

Carbon tetrachloride does not burn in air.

CCl₄ will dissolve iodine.

Physical

Carbon tetrachloride is a colourless liquid with a strong ether-like smell. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in many organic solvents, such as benzene, carbon disulfide, chloroform, diethyl ether, ethanol, formic acid and naphtha. It boils at 76.72 °C and freezes at −22.92 °C.

Availability

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Preparation

Carbon tetrachloride can be synthesized by chlorinating carbon disulfide at temperatures between 105 to 130 °C:

CS₂ + 3 Cl₂ → CCl₄ + S₂Cl₂

It can also be prepared by chlorinating chloroform in the presence of light.

Projects

• Solvent for chlorinating reactions
• Make Carbon-Tet Explosive (CCl₄ + Al powder)

Handling

Safety

Carbon tetrachloride is a toxic and carcinogenic compound, and is one of the most potent hepatotoxins (toxic to the liver).

Storage

In closed bottles, away from any heat source.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Carbon Tetrachloride CCl4
• How to make Carbon Tetrachloride
• carbon tetrachloride explosive