Environment effects of – tetrachloromethane

Carbon tetrachloride, more often referred to as tetrachloromethane, is a chemical compound having the formula CCl4 that is used to produce tetrachloromethane gas. This chemical is often called a polyhalogenated organic molecule because it has a carbon atom bonded to many halide functional groups. CCl4is a colorless liquid with an exceedingly pleasant odor when breathed at room temperature and pressure.

This chemical was traditionally frequently used in cleaning products due to its antibacterial properties. Additionally, it was employed in fire extinguishers and was believed to be the predecessor of several refrigerants, including butane and propane. However, several nations have phased it out due to the drug’s dangers. When high amounts of carbon tetrachloride are inhaled, significant damage to critical organs such as the kidneys and liver may occur. Additionally, it may damage the central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, chronic human exposure to carbon tetrachloride is often associated with significant mortality risk.

The Uses and Consequences of Carbon Tetrachloride

Additionally, carbon tetrachloride was often a precursor to chlorofluorocarbons, produced in large quantities. However, due to environmental concerns, this substance’s manufacturing has decreased significantly since the 1980s. Carbon tetrachloride exposure has been linked to centrilobular hepatic necrosis in the past. When this molecule is absorbed into the body, it is converted to the highly reactive trichloromethyl radical. This trichloromethyl is likely to induce hepatocellular injury.

Chemical Structure of CCl4 Molecules

Chemists refer to carbon tetrachloride molecules as “tetrahedral” because the core carbon atom is held together in their molecular shape by four chlorine atoms. The image below depicts the structure of CCl₄ molecules.

The Chemical Formula and structure of tetrachloromethane structure

The four chlorine atoms in the CCl4 molecule are symmetrically positioned at each of the molecule’s four corners, with the central carbon atom serving as an attraction center. Covalent bonds are formed between the carbon atom and the chlorine atom. The chemical’s non-polar characteristics result from its molecular geometry, determined by its structure. It is worth noting that the molecular structure of CCl4 is very similar to that of CH4 (methane gas).

Carbon tetrachloride has the following properties:

The following are some of the most significant physical and chemical characteristics of CCl4.

• Carbon tetrachloride is a chemical compound with a molecular weight of 153.81 grams per mole molecular weight.
• When usual circumstances are present, this chemical exists in the liquid phase. It is a colorless liquid with a pleasant smell used in cosmetics.
• This material (in liquid form) has a density of 1.5867 grams per cubic centimeter, identical to the thickness of water.
• Carbon tetrachloride is a chemical with a melting point of -22.93oC and a boiling point of 76.72.
• CCl4 is a chemical molecule that is poorly soluble in water. At 25 degrees Celsius, carbon tetrachloride is exceedingly soluble in water, with a solubility of only 1 gram per liter (approx.). However, this molecule is soluble in many organic solvents, including chloroform, benzene, alcohols, ethers, and formic acid.
• Carbon tetrachloride crystallizes in a monoclinic crystal lattice when heated.
• This chemical’s coordination geometry is tetrahedral, characteristic of its structure. It has a tetrahedral molecular structure, which corresponds to the form of the molecule. It should be emphasized that the carbon atom serves as the principal atomic component in this scenario.
• Carbon tetrachloride has an extraordinarily high thermal capacity of 132.6 Joules per mole-Kelvin.
• The molar entropy of this organic molecule is 214.42 Joules per mole-Kelvin, which is the expected value.

Tetrachloromethane’s Most Essential Applications

Before the 1980s, carbon tetrachloride was mainly used to manufacture chlorofluorocarbons for use in refrigeration. According to the manufacturer, it was also employed as a component of fire extinguishers and as a cleaning agent. Because chlorofluorocarbons have a substantial environmental effect (ozone layer depletion) and may pose health risks, their usage has been restricted in several nations. On the other hand, this chemical has many applications, some of which are described below.

• The term “Appel reaction” refers to a specific kind of reaction in which carbon tetrachloride serves as a source of chlorine.
• Additionally, it may be used to disclose watermarks on stamps without causing any harm to the stamp.
• According to the manufacturer, carbon tetrachloride was also employed as a chemical component in the making of lava lamps.
• CCl4 has historically been used in proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Health Hazards of CCl4 Use

When substantial concentrations of hepatotoxic substances are consumed, they may cause considerable liver damage due to a defect of tetrachloromethane. If present in sufficient amounts, this chemical can cause damage to the central nervous system (CNS). When individuals are exposed to CCl4 for an extended period, they often die or enter a coma. Additionally, it has been claimed that exposure to this chemical may induce cancer and renal impairment.

Treaties and rules at the international level that govern international relations

The United Nations’ Montreal Protocol and the European Union’s Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) limit tetrachloromethane. Tetrachloromethane is prohibited in cosmetics per the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009). The UN Protocol on PRTs and the EU E-PRTR Regulation control how data on tetrachloromethane emissions are made public.

Tetrachloromethane is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that is indirectly regulated by the United Nations Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as well as the European Union’s National Emissions Ceilings Directive (2001/81/EC) and Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU).

Conclusion

Despite its wide variety of uses, tetrachloromethane is an extremely dangerous substance whose usage has been severely restricted for public safety reasons. Trichloromethane, a greenhouse gas, contributes to global warming and environmental degradation by depleting the ozone layer.