Carbon tetrafluoride, with the chemical formula CF4, is an inorganic compound consisting of a central carbon atom surrounded by 4 fluorine atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement.  This simple molecule has a molar mass of 88 grams per mole.  Let's explore the molecular geometry and bonding in this gas.

Shape and Symmetry - With 4 symmetric fluorine atoms positioned at the vertices of a tetrahedron around the carbon center, CF4 has a perfect tetrahedral molecular geometry.  It is isotropic and has no net dipole moment.

Bond Type - The bonds between the carbon atom and the 4 fluorine atoms are covalent bonds with moderate polarity.  There is some electron density shift from carbon towards the more electronegative fluorine atoms.

Bond Length - The C-F bond length in CF4 is 1.318 angstroms.  This is shorter than a typical C-F single bond due to additional electron density donation from the multiple F atoms.

Hybrid Orbitals - The central carbon atom in CF4 forms 4 sigma bonds directed towards the vertices of the tetrahedron.  This involves carbon sp3 hybrid orbitals overlapping with fluorine p orbitals.

Bond Strength - The symmetric arrangement and short C-F bonds in CF4 result in strong sigma bonds with a bond dissociation energy of 542 kJ/mol.  This gives CF4 chemical inertness.

The tetrahedral geometry, covalent bonding and high symmetry of the CF4 molecule lead to its distinct physical and chemical characteristics.  Knowledge of its molecular structure helps explain CF4's prevalence in many industrial and scientific applications.