Question

The bond angle in carbon tetrachloride is approximately
(a) \[{90^o}\]
(b) \[109^\circ \]
(c) \[120^\circ \]
(d) \[180^\circ \]

Answer 1

Hint: The carbon tetrachloride (\[CC{l_4}\]) has a structure similar to methane (\[C{H_4}\]). All the bonds (\[C - Cl\]) of \[CC{l_4}\] are covalent. Both \[CC{l_4}\]and \[C{H_4}\]have an identical bond angle. The \[CC{l_4}\]is a non-polar molecule due to its symmetric structure.

Complete step by step solution:The IUPAC name of carbon tetrachloride is tetrachloromethane.
Carbon tetrachloride is an organic compound having \[CC{l_4}\]molecular formula.
The carbon tetrachloride is also known as a polyhalogenated compound because it contains more than one halogen group.
In the structure of carbon tetrachloride, the carbon atom occupies the central position and is linked with four chlorine atoms in a tetrahedral shape.

Image: Structure of carbon tetrachloride.

The hybridization of carbon tetrachloride can be predicted in following way:

(1) By using the following equation:
\[Hybridization(H) = \frac{{V + M - C + A}}{2}\] (Eq.1)
Whereas V=number of valence electrons on the central atom
M= a number of monovalent atoms
C= charge on the cation
A=charge on anion

Therefore,
\[Hybridization(H) = \frac{{4 + 4 - 0 + 0}}{2} = 4\]
The value of 4 will be equal to \[s{p^3}\] hybridization.


(2) By counting the sigma bonds:
If the sum of the sigma bond is two, the hybridization will be \[s{p^{}}\].
If the sum of the sigma bond is three, the hybridization will be \[s{p^2}\].
If the sum of the sigma bond is four, the hybridization will be \[s{p^3}\].
If the sum of the sigma bond is five, the hybridization will be \[s{p^3}d\].
If the sum of the sigma bond is six, then hybridization will be \[s{p^3}{d^2}\].
Therefore, the \[CC{l_4}\]molecule has three sigma bonds. Hence the hybridization will be \[s{p^3}\].
Due to the \[s{p^3}\]hybridization, the \[CC{l_4}\]molecule has tetrahedral geometry with \[109^\circ \]bond angle.

Therefore from the above explanation we can say option (b) will be the correct option:

Note: The carbon tetrachloride is a colorless liquid and possesses a sweet odor.
The carbon tetrachloride is used as a chlorinating agent in organic reactions such as the Appel reaction.
The carbon tetrachloride is also used as a degreasing agent for dry cleaning.