Question

Explain the following:

The use of carbon tetrachloride as fire extinguisher is not very safe.

Answer 1

1. It is used as a solvent for fats, oils, waxes, and resins.
2. Its ability to dissolve fats and oils makes it an effective cleaning agent for eliminating stains from clothing.
3. It is used to produce chloroform and freon gas. Freon gas is commonly used as a refrigerant for refrigerators and air conditioners.
4. Pyrene is a fire extinguishing agent.
5. Carbon tetrachloride is an effective fire extinguisher due to its stability at high temperatures and non-inflammable vapours.
6. When sprayed on a fire, the vapour creates a dense gas blanket that prevents air from reaching the substance, effectively putting it out.
7. Without oxygen, fires are quenched.
8. Carbon tetrachloride is no longer recommended as a fire extinguisher due to its high-temperature reaction with steam, resulting in the formation of phosgene, a very toxic gas.