Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of carbon tetraiodide (CI_4)?

• A. The central carbon atom forms double bonds with each iodine atom.
• B. The carbon atom has two lone pairs and forms two single bonds with iodine atoms.
• C. The central carbon atom is surrounded by four single bonds to iodine atoms, with no lone pairs on carbon.
• D. Each iodine atom shares two pairs of electrons with the carbon atom.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that carbon typically forms four covalent bonds to complete its octet, and iodine typically forms one single bond with three lone pairs to complete its octet.
2. Understand that in carbon tetraiodide (CI_4), the carbon atom is the central atom bonded to four iodine atoms.
3. Recognize that carbon forms single bonds with each iodine atom, as carbon does not commonly form double bonds with iodine due to iodine's size and bonding preferences.
4. Note that the carbon atom has no lone pairs in CI_4 because it uses all four valence electrons to form bonds with iodine atoms.
5. Each iodine atom shares one pair of electrons (one single bond) with carbon and has three lone pairs to complete its octet, so no double bonds or multiple bonds are present.