Briefly describe the concept of electronegativity and explain why CCl4 is a non-polar molecule

Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract a pair of electrons in a covalent bond. The Pauling scale assigns values to this tendency for each element in the periodic table ranging from the lowest (Caesium: around 0.7) to the strongest and highest (Flourine at 4.0). Differences in electronegativity between bonded atoms cause these bonds to be polar, the higher the difference the more polar the bond.

In tetrachloromethane (CCl4) there is a difference in electronegativities of Carbon and Chlorine (0.5). This means the electrons in each bond are not shared equally but pulled closer to the Chlorine due to its higher electronegativity. However the tetrahedral nature of the molecule means that there is equal pull in all directions. All bond polarities cancel out and the molecule has no overal polar effect.

Answered by Samora S. Chemistry tutor

19186 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is Gibbs Free Energy?


Explain why the first ionisation energy of barium is less than the first ionisation energy of calcium.


For the reaction 2H2 + O2 -- 2H2O, how do I give an equation for the equilibrium constant in terms of the concentrations of products and reactants involved?


What product would you expect to obtain when reacting ethanal (or acetaldehyde) with potassium cyanide (KCN) in dilute acid? Draw a curly arrow mechanism for this transformation, and determine whether you obtain one enantiomer or a racemic mixture.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences