Chemistry: Elements, Molecules and Bonds

[HeLiXe]

Homework Statement

For a biology lab dealing with chemistry, we are supposed to make models (ball and stick) of molecules, and then we need to write the structural and molecular formulas. The models should represent single or double bonds based on the molecular composition. The problem is to write the structural formula for a molecule consisting of one atom of carbon and one atom of chlorine.

Homework Equations

Does not apply to this problem.

The Attempt at a Solution

My understanding is that carbon has a valence of 4 and can accommodate four single bonds or two double bonds. Chlorine has a valence of 7 and can accommodate one single bond. Based on this...I think this model would be impossible to make. I can imagine one carbon atom and 4 chlorine atoms. I looked up CCl4 and found that it does exist and is called carbon tetrachloride.

[PLAIN]https://people.chem.umass.edu/chandler/molecules/CCL4.GIF

Thus far we have only covered single and double bonds and a very limited range of molecules. What am I missing?

 

[HeLiXe]

Nevermind, I submitted the lab report. I made a model of carbon tetrachloride and explained why. I'll see what the professor says. Thanks!