Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for carbon tetraiodide?

• A. C4I
• B. CI2
• C. C2I4
• D. CI4

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the naming convention for molecular compounds: 'carbon tetraiodide' indicates one carbon atom bonded to four iodine atoms.
2. Recall that the prefix 'tetra-' means four, so the formula must contain four iodine (I) atoms.
3. Since there is only one carbon (C) atom, the chemical formula should have one C and four I atoms.
4. Write the formula by placing the element symbols with their respective counts: C for carbon and I4 for four iodine atoms, resulting in \(C I_4\).
5. Verify that the formula matches the name: one carbon atom and four iodine atoms correspond to carbon tetraiodide, confirming \(C I_4\) is correct.