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

• A. COCl_2
• B. CCl_4
• C. CCl_2
• D. C_2Cl_4

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the name of the compound: carbon tetrachloride. The prefix 'tetra-' means four, indicating there are four chlorine atoms.
2. Recall that the root 'carbon' corresponds to the element carbon, symbolized as 'C'.
3. Combine the carbon atom with four chlorine atoms, symbolized as 'Cl', to form the chemical formula.
4. Write the formula by placing the carbon symbol first, followed by the chlorine symbol with the subscript 4 to indicate four chlorine atoms: \(CCl_4\).
5. Verify that the formula matches the name: one carbon atom and four chlorine atoms, which corresponds to carbon tetrachloride.