Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) crystallizes in a monoclinic system, adopting a structure similar to Silicon tetrafluoride (SiF4). Its crystal lattice is characterized by the C2/c space group.
Key Crystallographic Features of CCl4
The crystal structure of CCl4 is zero-dimensional, meaning it does not form extended networks in one, two, or three dimensions, but rather consists of discrete molecular units. Within this structure, each carbon tetrachloride molecule maintains its integrity.
Here's a summary of its key crystallographic parameters:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Space Group | C2/c |
| Structure Type | Silicon tetrafluoride-like |
| Dimensionality | Zero-dimensional |
| Molecular Units | The structure consists of thirty-two carbon tetrachloride molecules |
| Bonding Geometry | Carbon (C4+) is bonded in a tetrahedral geometry to four Chlorine (Cl1-) atoms |
Molecular Arrangement and Bonding
In the solid state, CCl4 molecules are arranged in a way that reflects their fundamental tetrahedral geometry. Each central carbon atom is surrounded by four chlorine atoms, forming a robust tetrahedral unit. The presence of thirty-two CCl4 molecules within the reported structure signifies a specific arrangement within its conventional unit cell, contributing to its overall zero-dimensional classification.
