Question

Why is carbon tetra chloride incombustile?

Answer 1

it does not contain oxygen atoms in it

Answer 2

Explanation:

A molecule of carbon tetrachloride has similar chemical formula as that of methane. Except the only difference that H of methane is replaced by Cl.

When we burn methane, it give carbondioxide and water. The reaction is as follows.

       $CH_{4} + 2O_{2}\overset{heat}{\rightarrow} CO_{2} + 2H_{2}O$

It is known that hydrogen is an electropositive element therefore, it readily combines with electronegative oxygen atom. As a result, methane can easily catch fire and hence it is combustible.

Whereas chlorine is electronegative in nature therefore, it prefers to remain attached to electropositive carbon atom of $CCl_{4}$ molecule.

Also, it is difficult for chlorine to obtain +1 oxidation state when $CCl_{4}$ combines with oxygen.

Therefore, the reaction  $CCl_{4} + 2O_{2}\rightarrow CO_{2} + 2Cl_{2}O$ is least possible.

That is why, $CCl_{4}$ is incombustible in nature.