Carbon tetrabromide (CBr4) is a chemical compound composed of one carbon atom and four bromine atoms. It is a colorless, odorless, and non-flammable crystalline solid at room temperature. Carbon tetrabromide is part of the group of carbon tetrahalides, which also includes carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and carbon tetrafluoride (CF4).

Key characteristics and uses of carbon tetrabromide include:

1. Chemical Reagent: Carbon tetrabromide is used as a reagent in various chemical reactions. It can act as a source of bromine in organic synthesis and be involved in reactions that require the addition of bromine atoms to other molecules.
2. Solvent: Carbon tetrabromide is a solvent for certain organic compounds, similar to other carbon tetrahalides. However, its use as a solvent has decreased due to environmental and health concerns.
3. Fire Retardant: Historically, carbon tetrabromide was used as a fire retardant in certain applications. However, it has been largely phased out due to environmental and health considerations.
4. Environmental and Health Concerns: Carbon tetrabromide is considered harmful to the environment and human health. It is classified as a hazardous substance and should be handled with appropriate precautions. The compound is also an ozone-depleting substance and contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere.
5. Regulatory Restrictions: Due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer, carbon tetrabromide is subject to international regulations under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The protocol aims to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances to protect the Earth’s ozone layer.
6. Limited Uses: Because of environmental and health concerns, the use of carbon tetrabromide has been significantly reduced over the years. Alternative chemicals and fire retardants that are less harmful to the environment and human health have replaced its applications.

Overall, carbon tetrabromide is a chemical compound with limited and decreasing industrial applications due to its negative environmental and health impact. As the focus on sustainability and environmental protection increases, the use of carbon tetrabromide and other ozone-depleting substances continues to be minimized and regulated.