Question

Does carbon tetrachloride have a high melting point? Why or why not?

Answer 1

The answer is no, and it does not even have a high boiling point..........

Explanation:

The melting point of `"carbon tetrachloride"` is listed here as `-22` `""^@C`, and its normal boiling point is `76.7` `""^@C`.

For a fairly high molecular mass molecule these values are fairly low. These low physical constants reflect the fact that (i) carbon tetrachloride is molecular; and (ii) there are only weak dispersion forces that operate between molecules. While the individual `C-Cl` bonds are polar, `"carbon tetrachloride"` is necessarily a tetrahedral molecule in which the `C^(delta+)-Cl^(delta-)` dipoles sum to ZERO; and thus there is no molecular dipole moment to act as an intermolecular force. Only dispersion forces operate here.

Given that it is non-polar molecule, what say you with regard to its solubility in water? These days you won't find it in a teaching lab due to safety concerns.