search

    50 Facts About Carbon Tetrabromide

    Merla Lamontagne

    Written by Merla Lamontagne

    Modified & Updated: 10 Mar 2025

    Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
    50-facts-about-carbon-tetrabromide
    Source: Facts.net

    Carbon tetrabromide might sound like a mouthful, but it’s a fascinating compound with some cool facts. This chemical, also known as CBr4, is a colorless solid that’s used in various industries. Ever wondered what makes it special? For starters, it’s a heavy molecule due to the presence of bromine atoms. This compound is non-flammable, making it useful in fire extinguishers. It also plays a role in organic chemistry as a reagent. Despite its usefulness, it’s important to handle it with care because it can be toxic. Ready to learn more? Here are 50 intriguing facts about carbon tetrabromide!

    Key Takeaways:

    • Carbon tetrabromide, a versatile compound, has uses ranging from fire retardants to organic synthesis. However, it requires careful handling due to its toxicity and environmental impact.
    • Ongoing research aims to explore safer applications of carbon tetrabromide, paving the way for advanced materials science and potential use in organic solar cells.
    Table of Contents
    01What is Carbon Tetrabromide?
    02Chemical Properties of Carbon Tetrabromide
    03Uses of Carbon Tetrabromide
    04Safety and Environmental Impact
    05Historical Context and Discovery
    06Physical Properties and Appearance
    07Industrial and Laboratory Applications
    08Interesting Facts and Trivia
    09Environmental and Health Regulations
    10Future Prospects and Research
    11Carbon Tetrabromide: The Final Word

    What is Carbon Tetrabromide?

    Carbon tetrabromide, also known as tetrabromomethane, is a chemical compound with the formula CBr₄. This colorless solid is used in various applications, from organic synthesis to fire extinguishers. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about this compound.

    1. 01Carbon tetrabromide has a molecular weight of 331.63 g/mol.
    2. 02It appears as a colorless crystalline solid at room temperature.
    3. 03The compound has a high density of 3.42 g/cm³.
    4. 04It melts at 91.5°C and boils at 189°C.
    5. 05CBr₄ is slightly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and benzene.

    Chemical Properties of Carbon Tetrabromide

    Understanding the chemical properties of carbon tetrabromide helps in grasping its reactivity and uses in various fields.

    1. 06Carbon tetrabromide is a non-polar molecule due to its symmetrical tetrahedral structure.
    2. 07It is relatively stable but can decompose when exposed to high temperatures.
    3. 08The compound is used as a brominating agent in organic synthesis.
    4. 09It can react with metals to form metal bromides.
    5. 10CBr₄ can also undergo photolysis, breaking down into carbon and bromine under UV light.

    Uses of Carbon Tetrabromide

    Carbon tetrabromide has a range of applications, making it a versatile compound in both industrial and laboratory settings.

    1. 11It is used as a solvent for greases, waxes, and oils.
    2. 12The compound serves as a fire retardant in plastics and other materials.
    3. 13It is employed in the production of other brominated compounds.
    4. 14CBr₄ is used in the preparation of certain pharmaceuticals.
    5. 15It acts as a reagent in organic chemistry for bromination reactions.

    Safety and Environmental Impact

    While useful, carbon tetrabromide must be handled with care due to its potential hazards.

    1. 16CBr₄ is toxic if ingested or inhaled.
    2. 17It can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact.
    3. 18Prolonged exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.
    4. 19The compound is harmful to aquatic life, necessitating careful disposal.
    5. 20It is classified as a hazardous substance under various environmental regulations.

    Historical Context and Discovery

    The history of carbon tetrabromide dates back to the 19th century, reflecting its longstanding significance in chemistry.

    1. 21Carbon tetrabromide was first synthesized in the mid-1800s.
    2. 22Early chemists used it to study the properties of halogenated compounds.
    3. 23Its discovery contributed to the understanding of carbon-halogen bonds.
    4. 24The compound played a role in the development of early fire extinguishing methods.
    5. 25Historical uses included its application in early photography processes.

    Physical Properties and Appearance

    The physical characteristics of carbon tetrabromide make it easily identifiable and useful in various applications.

    1. 26It has a refractive index of 1.64, indicating how it bends light.
    2. 27The compound is odorless, making it less detectable by smell.
    3. 28It has a specific heat capacity of 0.21 J/g·K.
    4. 29CBr₄ exhibits a crystalline structure, often forming cubic crystals.
    5. 30Its vapor pressure is relatively low at room temperature.

    Industrial and Laboratory Applications

    Carbon tetrabromide's versatility extends to numerous industrial and laboratory uses.

    1. 31It is used in the synthesis of flame retardants.
    2. 32The compound is a key ingredient in certain types of fire extinguishers.
    3. 33It serves as a calibration standard in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
    4. 34CBr₄ is used in the production of semiconductors.
    5. 35It acts as a density gradient medium in centrifugation processes.

    Interesting Facts and Trivia

    Beyond its scientific and industrial significance, carbon tetrabromide has some fascinating trivia associated with it.

    1. 36It is one of the few compounds that can exist in a supercooled liquid state.
    2. 37The compound was once used in early refrigeration systems.
    3. 38It has been studied for potential use in carbon capture technologies.
    4. 39CBr₄ can form clathrate compounds, trapping other molecules within its structure.
    5. 40It has been used in the study of molecular vibrations and infrared spectroscopy.

    Environmental and Health Regulations

    Due to its potential hazards, carbon tetrabromide is subject to various regulations to ensure safe handling and disposal.

    1. 41It is listed under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the United States.
    2. 42The compound is regulated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
    3. 43Safety data sheets (SDS) provide guidelines for its safe use.
    4. 44It is subject to reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).
    5. 45Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when handling CBr₄.

    Future Prospects and Research

    Ongoing research continues to explore new applications and safer handling methods for carbon tetrabromide.

    1. 46Scientists are investigating its use in advanced materials science.
    2. 47Research is being conducted on its potential role in organic solar cells.
    3. 48Efforts are underway to develop more environmentally friendly brominating agents.
    4. 49Studies are exploring its use in nanotechnology and molecular engineering.
    5. 50Future advancements may lead to safer and more efficient uses of carbon tetrabromide.

    Carbon Tetrabromide: The Final Word

    Carbon tetrabromide, a fascinating compound, has a lot more to it than meets the eye. From its chemical structure to its industrial applications, this compound plays a crucial role in various fields. Its unique properties make it valuable in organic synthesis and fire extinguishing systems. Despite its usefulness, handling it with care is essential due to its toxicity and environmental impact.

    Understanding the facts about carbon tetrabromide helps appreciate its significance and the precautions needed when using it. Whether you're a student, scientist, or just curious, knowing these details can be quite enlightening. Keep exploring and stay curious about the world of chemistry. There's always something new to learn and discover.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What exactly is carbon tetrabromide?
    Carbon tetrabromide, often symbolized as CBr4, is a chemical compound made up of one carbon atom and four bromine atoms. This substance appears as a colorless to white crystalline solid, which can emit a pungent odor. Due to its heavy bromine content, it's denser than water and insoluble in it.
    How is carbon tetrabromide used in various industries?
    In various sectors, carbon tetrabromide finds its use primarily as a solvent for greases, waxes, and oils. Additionally, it's utilized in the manufacturing of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and rubber compounds. Its role in fire extinguishers, as a flame retardant, showcases its versatility across different applications.
    Can carbon tetrabromide pose any health risks?
    Yes, exposure to carbon tetrabromide can pose significant health risks. Inhalation or ingestion can lead to serious health issues, including damage to the liver and kidneys. Moreover, its potential to irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system makes handling it with care a necessity. Always using protective gear when dealing with this compound is highly advised.
    Is carbon tetrabromide found naturally in the environment?
    Naturally, carbon tetrabromide doesn't occur in the environment. Its presence is mainly attributed to industrial emissions and accidental releases. Due to its synthetic nature, monitoring and managing its environmental impact is crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
    How does carbon tetrabromide affect the environment?
    When released into the environment, carbon tetrabromide can contribute to air, water, and soil pollution. Its persistence and potential to bioaccumulate raise concerns about its long-term ecological effects. Efforts to minimize emissions and properly dispose of this compound are vital in mitigating its environmental impact.
    What are the safety measures for handling carbon tetrabromide?
    Handling carbon tetrabromide requires strict safety measures. Wearing protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection is essential to prevent direct contact. Ensuring good ventilation in the working area helps reduce inhalation risks. In case of spills or exposure, following proper cleanup and first aid procedures is crucial for safety.
    Can carbon tetrabromide be recycled or disposed of safely?
    Safely disposing of carbon tetrabromide involves specialized procedures to prevent environmental contamination. Recycling can be challenging due to its hazardous nature. Typically, disposal should be handled by certified waste management services that adhere to local and federal regulations, ensuring its safe elimination from the environment.

    Was this page helpful?

    Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.