Carbon tetrachloride (CHEM000043)

IdentificationTaxonomyBiological PropertiesPhysical PropertiesToxicity ProfileSpectraConcentrationsLinksReferencesTargets (40)XML
Record Information
Version1.0
Creation Date2009-03-06 18:57:59 UTC
Update Date2026-03-26 23:43:53 UTC
Accession NumberCHEM000043
Identification
Common NameCarbon tetrachloride
ClassSmall Molecule
DescriptionGrain fumigant Carbon tetrachloride has been shown to exhibit anesthetic, metal chelator and hepatoprotective functions (1, 2, 3). Carbon tetrachloride belongs to the family of Chlorocarbons. These are Any Compound consisting wholly of chlorine and carbon. (Reference: [1] IUPAC. Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the Gold Book). Compiled by A. D. McNaught and A. Wilkinson. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford (1997). XML on-line corrected version: http://goldbook.iupac.org (2006-) created by M. Nic, J. Jirat, B. Kosata; updates compiled by A. Jenkins. ISBN 0-9678550-9-8. doi:10.1351/goldbook. (Or PAC, 1995, 67, 1307 (Glossary of class names of organic compounds and reactivity intermediates based on structure (IUPAC Recommendations 1995)) on page 1328)).
Contaminant Sources
  • Clean Air Act Chemicals
  • Disinfection Byproducts
  • FooDB Chemicals
  • HPV EPA Chemicals
  • IARC Carcinogens Group 2B
  • OECD HPV Chemicals
  • STOFF IDENT Compounds
  • T3DB toxins
  • ToxCast & Tox21 Chemicals
Contaminant Type
  • Food Toxin
  • Household Toxin
  • Indicator and Reagent
  • Industrial/Workplace Toxin
  • Metabolite
  • Organic Compound
  • Organochloride
  • Pesticide
  • Pollutant
  • Solvent
  • Synthetic Compound
Chemical Structure
Thumb
MOLSDFPDBSMILESInChI
Synonyms
ValueSource
CCL4ChEBI
KohlenstofftetrachloridChEBI
TetraChEBI
TetrachloridocarbonChEBI
TetrachlorkohlenstoffChEBI
TetrachlormethanChEBI
TetrachloromethaneKegg
Carbon chloride?HMDB
Carbon tetHMDB
CarbontetrachlorideHMDB
F10HMDB
Freon 10HMDB
Halon 104HMDB
Halon 1040HMDB
HSDB 53HMDB
Methane tetrachlorideHMDB
NecatorineHMDB
PerchloromethaneHMDB
R10HMDB
Refrigerant R10HMDB
Tetrachloro-methaneHMDB
Tetrachloromethane, 9ciHMDB
TetrasolHMDB
ThawpitHMDB
UnivermHMDB
VermoestricidHMDB
Tetrachloride, carbonHMDB
Carbon tetrachlorideChEBI
Chemical FormulaCCl4
Average Molecular Mass153.823 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass151.875 g/mol
CAS Registry Number56-23-5
IUPAC Nametetrachloromethane
Traditional Namecarbon tetrachloride
SMILESClC(Cl)(Cl)Cl
InChI IdentifierInChI=1S/CCl4/c2-1(3,4)5
InChI KeyVZGDMQKNWNREIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Chemical Taxonomy
Description belongs to the class of organic compounds known as halomethanes. These are organic compounds in which at least one of the four hydrogen atoms of methane (CH4) are replaced by halogen atoms.
KingdomOrganic compounds
Super ClassOrganohalogen compounds
ClassAlkyl halides
Sub ClassHalomethanes
Direct ParentHalomethanes
Alternative Parents
Substituents
  • Halomethane
  • Hydrocarbon derivative
  • Organochloride
  • Alkyl chloride
  • Aliphatic acyclic compound
Molecular FrameworkAliphatic acyclic compounds
External Descriptors
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginExogenous
Cellular Locations
  • Membrane
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
PathwaysNot Available
Applications
Biological Roles
Chemical RolesNot Available
Physical Properties
StateSolid
AppearanceClear liquid.
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting Point28.6°C
Boiling PointNot Available
Solubility0.793 mg/mL at 25°C
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
Water Solubility1.81 g/LALOGPS
logP2.64ALOGPS
logP3ChemAxon
logS-1.9ALOGPS
Physiological Charge0ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count0ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count0ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area0 ŲChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count0ChemAxon
Refractivity2.3 m³·mol⁻¹ChemAxon
Polarizability10.5 ųChemAxon
Number of Rings0ChemAxon
Bioavailability1ChemAxon
Rule of FiveYesChemAxon
Ghose FilterNoChemAxon
Veber's RuleYesChemAxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemAxon
Spectra
Spectra
Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyView
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-014i-3900000000-15e3b1fb84a75b2a20eeSpectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-014i-3900000000-3ee1252607af104d66c6Spectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-014i-3900000000-388a28717a2eebbdd5b4Spectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-014i-3900000000-15e3b1fb84a75b2a20eeSpectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-014i-3900000000-3ee1252607af104d66c6Spectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-014i-3900000000-388a28717a2eebbdd5b4Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, Positivesplash10-0uxr-0900000000-4fe2cc05b6db2924cea0Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot AvailableSpectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot AvailableSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-0udi-0900000000-dda6606e2abfbfbd506aSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-0udi-0900000000-dda6606e2abfbfbd506aSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-0udi-0900000000-dda6606e2abfbfbd506aSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-0udi-0900000000-3b7b036324f257103400Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-0udi-0900000000-3b7b036324f257103400Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-0udi-0900000000-3b7b036324f257103400Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-0udi-0900000000-48063fb64f35754c9585Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-0udi-0900000000-48063fb64f35754c9585Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-0gb9-0900000000-735e839c7ffd63d881c7Spectrum
MSMass Spectrum (Electron Ionization)splash10-014i-3900000000-59149e5f4d351d3be4f4Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR SpectrumNot AvailableSpectrum
Toxicity Profile
Route of ExposureOral (5) ; inhalation (5) ; dermal (5)
Mechanism of ToxicityUnmetabolized carbon tetrachloride, depresses the central nervous system. All other toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride are related to its biotransformation via cytochrome P-450 enzymes, specifically CYP2E1. Metabolism of carbon tetrachloride by CYP2E1 may result in the destruction of the enzyme during the metabolic process, either by direct attack of radicals on the cytochrome(s) or highly localized lipid peroxidation resulting in detachment of P-450 proteins from the microsomal membranes. Reactive metabolites of carbon tetrachloride causes hepatic damage via haloalkylation of cellular macromolecules and lipid peroxidation. Carbon tetrachloride also perturbs the intracellular calcium homeostasis. Increased cytosolic levels of calcium may result from an influx of extracellular calcium caused by plasma membrane damage and decreased intracellular calcium sequestering. Higher levels of calcium activate enzymes such as proteases, which hydrolyze proteins in neighboring cells, leading to a progression of the lesion. Carbon tetrachloride's carcinogenicity is likely the result of certain reactive metabolites that bind to nuclear proteins, lipids, and DNA. (8, 5)
MetabolismCarbon tetrachloride is absorbed readily from the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, and more slowly through the skin. It is distributed to all major organs, with highest concentrations in the fat, liver, bone marrow, adrenals, blood, brain, spinal cord, and kidney. Once carbon tetrachloride is absorbed, it is metabolized by cytochrome P-450 enzymes, with the production of the trichloromethyl radical. Aerobically, metabolism of the trichloromethyl radical can eventually form phosgene. Anaerobically, the radical can undergo reactions to form chloroform, hexachloroethane, or carbon monoxide. Carbon tetrachloride is excreted primarily in exhaled air and in the feces, with relatively minimal amounts in the urine. (5)
Toxicity ValuesLD50: 2800 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (9)
Lethal Dose1700 to 1800 mg/kg for an adult human. (10)
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans. (7)
Uses/SourcesCarbon tetrachloride was used in the production of refrigeration fluid and propellants for aerosol cans, as a pesticide, as a cleaning fluid and degreasing agent, in fire extinguishers, and in spot removers. (5)
Minimum Risk LevelIntermediate Inhalation: 0.03 ppm (6) Chronic Inhalation: 0.03 ppm (6) Acute Oral: 0.02 mg/kg/day (6) Intermediate Oral: 0.007 mg/kg/day (6)
Health EffectsHigh exposure to carbon tetrachloride can cause liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Single cell necrosis, which is evident after 5h to 6h after dosing, progresses to maximal centrilobular necrosis within 24h to 48h. Cellular regeneration is maximal 36h to 48h after dosing. The rate and extent of tissue repair are important determinants of the ultimate outcome of liver injury. In severe cases, coma and even death may occur. (8, 5)
SymptomsCarbon tetrachloride exposure causes headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and vomiting. (5)
TreatmentNot Available
Concentrations
Not Available
DrugBank IDNot Available
HMDB IDHMDB0031330
FooDB IDFDB003393
Phenol Explorer IDNot Available
KNApSAcK IDNot Available
BiGG IDNot Available
BioCyc IDNot Available
METLIN IDNot Available
PDB IDNot Available
Wikipedia LinkCarbon_Tetrachloride
Chemspider ID5730
ChEBI ID27385
PubChem Compound ID5943
Kegg Compound IDC07561
YMDB IDNot Available
ECMDB IDNot Available
References
Synthesis ReferenceNot Available
MSDSNot Available
General References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=24395137
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=24726765
3. Plummer JL, Beckwith AL, Bastin FN, Adams JF, Cousins MJ, Hall P: Free radical formation in vivo and hepatotoxicity due to anesthesia with halothane. Anesthesiology. 1982 Sep;57(3):160-6.
4. Drake HL, Hu SI, Wood HG: Purification of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, a nickel enzyme from Clostridium thermocaceticum. J Biol Chem. 1980 Aug 10;255(15):7174-80.
5. Zeashan H, Amresh G, Singh S, Rao CV: Hepatoprotective activity of Amaranthus spinosus in experimental animals. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Nov;46(11):3417-21. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.08.013. Epub 2008 Aug 22.
6. Yannai, Shmuel. (2004) Dictionary of food compounds with CD-ROM: Additives, flavors, and ingredients. Boca Raton: Chapman & Hall/CRC.