What is the formula for carbon tetrabromide ?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The chemical formula for carbon tetrabromide is CBr₄.
Carbon tetrabromide is a compound consisting of one carbon atom and four bromine atoms. The carbon atom is at the center, and it forms covalent bonds with the four bromine atoms. This molecule is an example of a tetrahalomethane, where carbon is bonded to four halogen atoms—in this case, bromine.
The “tetra-” prefix indicates that there are four bromine atoms attached. Since carbon is in group 14 of the periodic table, it has four valence electrons available to form bonds. Bromine, being a halogen in group 17, has seven valence electrons and needs one more electron to complete its octet. By sharing electrons through covalent bonding, carbon achieves a stable electron configuration surrounded by four bromines, and each bromine completes its octet as well.
Carbon tetrabromide is a symmetrical molecule with a tetrahedral shape. The geometry is determined by the repulsion between the bonding electron pairs around the carbon atom, resulting in bond angles close to 109.5 degrees. This shape helps minimize electron pair repulsion, making the molecule stable.
This compound is typically a colorless solid at room temperature and has a relatively high density compared to other carbon tetrahalides because bromine atoms are quite heavy. Carbon tetrabromide is used in organic chemistry as a reagent in certain halogenation reactions and sometimes in fire retardants. It is not very reactive under normal conditions but can undergo decomposition when exposed to heat or light.
In summary, the formula CBr₄ reflects one carbon atom bonded to four bromine atoms, forming a stable tetrahedral molecule known as carbon tetrabromide.