Question

Which solvent is used for dry cleaning of clothes?

• A. Alcohol
• B. Freon
• C. Carbon tetrachloride
• D. Acetone

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Carbon tetrachloride

The explanation for correct option

(C) Carbon tetrachloride

Dry-cleaning

• In dry-cleaning processes, a number of chemicals have been and are still employed.
• Dry cleaning is the process of washing clothing only using organic, non-polar solvents and without the use of water.

Carbon tetrachloride

• The first chlorinated solvent used in dry-cleaning processes was carbon tetrachloride $\left({\mathrm{CCl}}_4\right)$.
• In order to use it as a dry-cleaning solvent, carbon tetrachloride was commonly mixed with other solvents.
• Four chlorine $\left(\mathrm{Cl}\right)$ atoms and one carbon $\left(\mathrm{C}\right)$ atom combine to form carbon tetrachloride.
• By $s{p}^3$ hybridization, the carbon may form four bonds.
• Each chlorine atom in carbon tetrachloride has two free electrons, which results in a net dipole charge of zero and makes the compound non-polar.

Explanation for incorrect options

(A) Alcohol

• Alcohol is a polar substance with oxygen and hydrogen that will bind with water.
• Polar solutes will dissolve in alcohol.
• It's difficult for it to evaporate.

(B) Freon

• As it destroys the beads and corrodes the surfaces, it comes into touch with, and freon is never used as a dry cleaning solvent.
• Since it burns easily, it is quite dangerous.
• It is not practical for everyday life.

(D) Acetone

• Since acetone contains a ketone group, it is polar. and volatile.
• It won't make bonds with nonpolar molecules like dirt and oil.
• It cannot be used as a cleaning agent and cannot remove oil from clothing.

Therefore, the correct option is (C) Carbon tetrachloride.