Question

Are `"CCl"_4` or `"CBr"_4` polar?

Answer 1

The bond is, the molecule is not................

Explanation:

We could represent the polarity of an individual `C-Cl` bond as `""^(delta+)C-Cl^(delta-)` in that chlorine is more electronegative than carbon, and charge separation, i.e. polarity occurs. And thus the `C-Cl` bond is POLAR. But molecular polarity is the result of the VECTOR sum of the individual bond dipoles. And thus when we sum geometrically in a vector fashion, the RESULTANT bond dipole is ZERO.............And thus `"CCl"_4` and `"CBr"_4` are NON-POLAR molecules, whereas `"HCCl"_3` and `"CH"_2"Cl"_2` are POLAR........

Do you appreciate this distinction?