Perchloroethylene
Perchloroethylene (also known as tetrachloroethylene or PCE) is a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet odor, widely used as a solvent in dry cleaning and industrial degreasing. It has excellent solvent power for organic materials, is non-flammable, and chemically stable under normal conditions. Perchloroethylene is valued for its efficiency in removing oils, greases, and waxes from fabrics and metals, and serves as a key chemical intermediate in various industrial applications.
Perchloroethylene
Primary Uses
- Dry Cleaning Solvent
- The primary solvent used in commercial dry cleaning for removing oils, stains, and dirt from textiles without damaging the fabric.
- Provides effective cleaning with minimal fabric shrinkage or color loss.
- Industrial Degreasing
- Used to clean metal parts, machinery components, and electronic equipment by dissolving grease, oils, and wax residues.
- Suitable for vapor degreasing and cold cleaning processes.
- Chemical Intermediate
- Employed as a raw material in the manufacture of fluorocarbons and other chemical products.
- Extraction Solvent
- Used in laboratories and industrial processes to extract organic compounds from mixtures.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Adhesive and Coatings Manufacturing
- Utilized as a solvent in adhesive formulations and specialty coatings.
- Textile and Leather Processing
- Applied in cleaning and finishing processes for textiles and leather goods.
- Pesticide Formulations
- Acts as a solvent carrier in certain pesticide products.
- Electronics Industry
- Used for cleaning delicate electronic components during manufacturing.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Tetrachloroethylene
- Common/Trade Name: Perchloroethylene, PCE, Tetrachloroethene
- CAS Number: 127-18-4
- HS Code: 2903.39.00
- Synonyms: Perc, Dry cleaning solvent, Tetrachloroethene
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Clear, colorless liquid
- Color & Odor: Odorless to sweet aromatic odor
- Boiling Point: 121°C
- Melting Point: -22.8°C
- Density: 1.62 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents
- Vapor Pressure: 18.3 kPa at 25°C
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Hazardous (Carcinogenic, harmful if inhaled or swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation)
- Toxicity: Moderate to high toxicity; potential carcinogen (IARC Group 2A)
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL - 100 ppm (8-hour TWA)
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources
- Container Type: Supplied in sealed metal drums or chemical-grade containers
- Shelf Life: Stable for several years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Use personal protective equipment; avoid inhalation and prolonged skin contact
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with EPA, OSHA, and REACH regulations
- Listed under various chemical inventories and reporting requirements
- Subject to strict environmental discharge and workplace exposure limits
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Poorly biodegradable; persistent in environment
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life; avoid release into waterways
- Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Classified as a probable human carcinogen (IARC Group 2A)
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Respirators, gloves, chemical goggles, and protective clothing
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods; avoid skin and eye contact
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed; prevent vapor release
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if breathing difficulty occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical help
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable but decomposes to produce toxic gases under fire conditions
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚
- Special Precautions: Firefighters must wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Phosgene, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, and other toxic gases
Related products
Butanol
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Butyl Acetate
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Di Acetone Alcohol
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Kerol
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N-Butanol
N-Butanol (1-butanol) is a four-carbon linear alcohol with the chemical formula C₄H₉OH. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild, alcoholic odor. N-Butanol is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical synthesis. It serves as an intermediate in the manufacture of plasticizers, butyl acrylate, and other chemicals. Its moderate volatility and solvent properties make it valuable in industrial and commercial applications.
Pine Oil
Pine Oil is a powerful, aromatic essential oil obtained through the steam distillation of the needles, twigs, and cones of pine trees, primarily Pinus sylvestris or other Pinus species. It features a sharp, woody, and fresh scent with natural disinfectant and deodorizing properties. Rich in monoterpenes such as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, Pine Oil is widely utilized in cleaning products, disinfectants, air care, cosmetics, and industrial formulations. It is valued for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and degreasing capabilities, making it an effective multi-purpose ingredient across various sectors.
Xylene
 Xylene is a clear, colorless, flammable aromatic hydrocarbon solvent consisting of three isomers: ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene. It is widely utilized in various industries for its excellent solvency, chemical stability, and moderate evaporation rate. Xylene serves as a key raw material in chemical manufacturing and an effective solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning applications.

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