Question

The geometry of $CC{l}_4$ is:
A. Linear
B. Planar
C. Bent
D. Tetrahedral

Answer 1

Hint: $CC{l}_4$ is known by the name carbon tetrachloride which is an organic compound. Generally a colorless liquid having a sweet smell. At low temperature it has no flammability therefore it is commonly used in fire extinguishers.

Complete Solution :
To know about the molecular geometry of any compound we firstly have to learn about the hybridization of that compound. Hybridization is defined as the mixing of the atomic orbitals belonging to the same compound but have slightly different energies so that redistribution of energy takes place between them which results in the formation of new orbitals of equal energies and new orbitals formed are known as hybrid orbitals.
- In the compound $CC{l}_4$ there are four covalent bonds between the central carbon atom and four chlorine atoms and all the valance electrons of carbon takes participate in bond formation and all orbitals of the atom participate in the formation of hybrid orbitals. In $CC{l}_4$ one s and three p orbitals of carbon atom hybridize and form a $s{p}^3$ hybridization. In this compound carbon is present in the central position and rest all the chlorine atoms are placed around it. As the central metal atom has four bonded pairs and shows $s{p}^3$hybridization therefore the shape of the molecule is tetrahedral. Which can be shown as:

So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note: Carbon tetrachloride used as a source of chlorine in the Appel reaction and also used in stamp collecting to reveal watermarks on postage stamps without damaging it and can be used as dry cleaning solvent, refrigerant and in lava lamps.