Question

Why $CC{l_4}$ does not conduct electricity?
A.$CC{l_4}$ is a bipolar compound with $C - Cl$ bonds oriented in all directions
B.$CC{l_4}$ is a nonpolar compound with $C - Cl$ bonds oriented in all directions
C.$CC{l_4}$ is a polar compound with $C - Cl$ bonds oriented in all directions
D.None of the above

Answer 1

Electricity is conducted by the movement of electrons. The electrons flow between the ions. Electrolytes are the substances that can be dissociated easily into ions and can conduct electricity. Carbon tetrachloride is a nonpolar compound that does not conduct electricity due to its non-polar nature.

Complete answer:
Carbon tetrachloride is a compound with the molecular formula of $CC{l_4}$ it has one carbon atom and four oxygen atoms. There are a total of four $C - Cl$ bonds and oriented in all directions. One $C - Cl$ bond is opposite to another $C - Cl$ leads to the zero-dipole moment as the four bonds are exactly opposite to each other. Thus, carbon tetrachloride is a non-polar compound.
Electricity can be conducted by the electrolytes. Electrolytes are the substances that can be dissociated into ions easily. Ions conduct electricity as there is a flow of electrons possible. As the compound $CC{l_4}$ is a nonpolar compound with $C - Cl$ bonds oriented in all directions, it does not conduct electricity.
Hence, option (B) is the correct answer.

Note:
All the molecules or compounds with zero dipole moment are non-polar compounds and do not conduct electricity. Thus, the dipole moment is an important factor for the determination of electrolytes. Though, there is a difference in electronegativities of carbon and chlorine $CC{l_4}$ is a nonpolar compound.