What is the Difference Between Chloroform and Carbon Tetrachloride?

The main difference between chloroform and carbon tetrachloride is their elemental composition and the presence of hydrogen atoms. Here are the key differences between the two compounds:

1. Elemental Composition: Chloroform has an elemental composition of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine, whereas carbon tetrachloride has an elemental composition of carbon and chlorine.
2. Molecular Formula: The molecular formula of chloroform is CHCl3, whereas the molecular formula of carbon tetrachloride is CCl4.
3. Anaesthetic Properties: Chloroform is a powerful anaesthetic, while carbon tetrachloride is not.
4. Carbylamine Reaction: Chloroform gives a carbylamine reaction when heated with aniline and alcoholic potassium hydroxide, producing an offensive smell of isocyanide.

Both chloroform and carbon tetrachloride have the same chemical geometry, which is tetrahedral. They are both organic compounds containing chlorine atoms, but due to their toxic nature, they are not as commonly used today as they were in the past.

Comparative Table: Chloroform vs Carbon Tetrachloride

The main differences between chloroform and carbon tetrachloride are their elemental composition, molecular structure, and physical properties. Here is a table comparing the two compounds:

Chloroform has a molecular structure with one carbon atom, one hydrogen atom, and three chlorine atoms, resulting in a tetrahedral asymmetric geometry. Carbon tetrachloride, on the other hand, has a molecular structure with one carbon atom and four chlorine atoms, resulting in a tetrahedral symmetric geometry. Chloroform is more soluble in water than carbon tetrachloride due to the presence of a hydrogen atom in its structure, which forms polar bonds with water.