Perchloro Ethylene, Tetrachloro Ethylene, Carbon Dichloride, Ethylene Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, PER, PCE, PERC, PERK, 127-18-4

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Perchloro Ethylene, Tetrachloro Ethylene, Carbon Dichloride, Ethylene Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, PER, PCE, PERC, PERK, 127-18-4

PERCHLOROETHYLENE (TETRACHLOROETHYLENE)

CHEMICAL PROFILE AND IDENTIFICATION

Parameter	Information
Chemical Name	Tetrachloroethylene, Perchloroethylene
Other Names	PER, PCE, PERC, PERK, Carbon Dichloride, Ethylene Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethylene
CAS Number	127-18-4
EC Number (EINECS)	204-825-9
Molecular Formula	C₂Cl₄
Molecular Weight	165.83 g/mol
Appearance	Colorless transparent liquid
Odor	Ether-like, chloroform-like odor
Color	APHA: ≤10
Physical State (20°C)	Liquid
UN Number	1897
RTECS Number	KX3850000
HS Code	29032300
Merck Index	14,9190
BRN	1361721

SECTION 1: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Property	Value
Molecular Weight	165.83 g/mol
Appearance	Colorless transparent liquid
Odor	Ether-like, chloroform-like odor
Color	APHA: ≤10
Density (25°C)	1.623 g/mL
Relative Density (d20)	1.6227
Melting Point	-22.0 °C to -22.7 °C
Boiling Point	121.2 °C
Flash Point	120-121°C
Autoignition Temperature	260°C
Refractive Index (n20/D)	1.505
Vapor Pressure (20°C)	13 mm Hg
Vapor Density (air=1)	5.83 (heavier than air)
Viscosity (20°C)	0.839 mPa·s
Surface Tension	32.3 mN/m (20°C)
Critical Temperature	347.1°C
Critical Pressure	9.74 MPa
Odor Threshold	0.77 ppm
Water Solubility (25°C)	0.15 g/L (slightly soluble)
Miscible With	Ethanol, ether, chloroform, benzene, hexane
Insoluble in	Sugar, glycerol, protein

SECTION 2: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

Parameter	Information
Chemical Formula	C₂Cl₄
Molecular Weight	165.83 g/mol
Structure	Cl₂C=CCl₂
Stability	Stable under normal conditions; decomposes in presence of light, water, oxygen over time
Thermal Stability	Stable up to 500°C in absence of air, moisture and catalyst
Hydrolysis	Resistant to hydrolysis
Decomposition Products	Trichloroacetaldehyde, phosgene (in presence of light, water, oxygen)
Incompatibilities	Strong oxidizing agents, alkali metals, aluminum, strong bases, barium powder, beryllium powder, lithium chips, dinitrogen tetroxide, sodium hydroxide
Reaction with Bromine	Forms monobromo trichloro or dibromo dichloro compounds
Reaction with Hydrogen Fluoride	Reacts in presence of catalyst
High Temperature Decomposition	Decomposes to carbon and chlorine compounds
Corrosivity	Corrosive to iron, aluminum, zinc (can be inhibited with stabilizers)

Chemical Reactions

Decomposition (Light, Water, Oxygen):

C₂Cl₄ + H₂O → CCl₃CHO + HCl + COCl₂

Reaction with Bromine:

C₂Cl₄ + Br₂ → C₂Cl₄Br₂

SECTION 3: PRODUCTION METHODS

3.1 Ethylene Method (Most Common)

Direct Chlorination:

Ethylene and chlorine react in 1,2-dichloroethane solution with FeCl₃ catalyst at 280-450°C
Produces 1,2-dichloroethane, further chlorinated to trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene
Distillation, neutralization with NH₃, washing, drying

Oxychlorination Method:

Ethylene + chlorine → 1,2-dichloroethane
1,2-dichloroethane + chlorine + oxygen with CuCl₂ and KCl catalyst at 425°C, 138-207 kPa
Product cooled, washed with water, dried, distilled for high purity

3.2 Hydrocarbon Oxidation Method

Hydrocarbon mixture (methane, ethane, propane, propylene) chlorinated and pyrolyzed at 50-500°C
Mixture of chlorinated hydrocarbons obtained
Fractionated and separated into various products

3.3 Acetylene Method

Acetylene + chlorine → 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
Dehydrochlorination with alkali → trichloroethylene
Chlorination → pentachloroethane
Dehydrochlorination with alkali → tetrachloroethylene
Note: Gradually replaced by ethylene method due to high acetylene cost

Stabilizers Added

Amine or phenol derivatives (10-500 × 10⁻⁶)
Hydroquinone
Prevents decomposition

SECTION 4: APPLICATIONS

Application	Description
Dry Cleaning	Primary use worldwide; efficient and safe cleaning of clothes; low solvent consumption; recyclable; non-flammable, no flash point or explosion risk
Metal Degreasing	Metal surface cleaning and degreasing; dissolves grease, rubber, resin, fat
Organic Solvent	Solvent for sulfur, iodine, mercury chloride, aluminum trichloride, fat, rubber, resin
Chemical Intermediate	Production of trichloroethylene and fluorine-containing organic compounds
Paint Remover	Paint stripping applications
Ink Solvent	Printing ink formulations
Textile Processing	Fabric finishing agent
Desulfurization Agent	Gas desulfurization applications
Extractant	Extraction of animal and vegetable oils
Heat Transfer Medium	Industrial heat transfer applications
Fire Extinguishing Agent	Fire extinguishing and smoke curtain agent
Pharmaceutical	Intestinal anthelmintic (hookworm treatment)
HPLC Solvent	High pressure liquid chromatography reagent
Spectrophotometric Solvent	Solvent for spectrophotometric determination

SECTION 5: SOLUBILITY AND DISSOLUTION PROPERTIES

Substance	Solubility
Water	Slightly soluble (0.15 g/L at 25°C)
Ethanol	Miscible
Ether	Miscible
Chloroform	Miscible
Benzene	Miscible
Hexane	Miscible
Sulfur	Dissolves
Iodine	Dissolves
Mercury Chloride	Dissolves
Aluminum Chloride	Dissolves
Fats	Dissolves
Rubber	Dissolves
Resins	Dissolves
Sugar	Insoluble
Glycerol	Insoluble
Protein	Insoluble

SECTION 6: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

Parameter	Value
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat)	2,629 mg/kg
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Mouse)	8,100 - 8,850 mg/kg
Inhalation LC50 (Mouse)	5,925 ppm
Skin Irritation (Rabbit)	810 mg/24 hours - severe
Eye Irritation (Rabbit)	500 mg/24 hours - mild
IARC Classification	Group 2A (Probably carcinogenic to humans)
Skin Absorption	Absorbed through skin
Target Organs	Central nervous system, liver, kidneys

SECTION 7: HEALTH EFFECTS

Exposure Type	Effects
Acute (Inhalation)	Central nervous system depression, anesthesia symptoms, dizziness, headache, sweating, fatigue, unsteady gait, mental confusion, loss of consciousness, death
Acute (Eye Contact)	Irritation, dryness
Acute (Skin Contact)	Dry skin, dermatitis
Acute (Ingestion)	Nausea, vomiting, liver injury, coma
Chronic	Liver damage, kidney damage, central nervous system effects, potential carcinogenicity

Health Warnings

Tetrachloroethylene is a central nervous system inhibitor
May cause headaches, trembling, vomiting, severe cases lead to loss of consciousness and death
Irritating to eyes and skin
About 98% exhaled through lungs; only 2% metabolized
Metabolizes to trichloroacetic acid and trichloroethanol excreted in urine
Very slow elimination from body

SECTION 8: FIRST AID MEASURES

Exposure	Action
Inhalation	Move to fresh air immediately. If breathing difficulties, give oxygen. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Get immediate medical attention
Skin Contact	Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, get medical attention
Eye Contact	Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention
Ingestion	Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Give saline water. Get immediate medical attention
Notes for Physicians	No specific antidote; symptomatic treatment. Protect liver and kidney functions. Avoid adrenaline.

SECTION 9: GHS CLASSIFICATION

Hazard Class	Category	H-Phrase
Carcinogenicity	Category 2	H351
Acute Toxicity (Inhalation)	Category 4	H332
Skin Irritation	Category 2	H315
Eye Irritation	Category 2B	H320
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT-SE)	Category 3	H335
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT-RE)	Category 1	H372
Aquatic Toxicity	Category 2	H411

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS08 (Health Hazard), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS09 (Environment)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes)

Code	Statement
H315	Causes skin irritation
H319	Causes serious eye irritation
H332	Harmful if inhaled
H335	May cause respiratory irritation
H351	Suspected of causing cancer
H372	Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H411	Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

SECTION 10: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

Code	Statement
P201	Obtain special instructions before use
P202	Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood
P260	Do not breathe vapors
P280	Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P301+P310	IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor
P302+P352	IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water
P304+P340	IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing
P305+P351+P338	IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present
P308+P313	IF exposed or concerned: Get medical attention
P403+P233	Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed
P501	Dispose of contents/container to licensed waste disposal facility

SECTION 11: OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS

Limit	Value
TLV-TWA (ACGIH)	50 ppm (~325 mg/m³)
TLV-STEL (ACGIH)	200 ppm
OSHA PEL	100 ppm
MSHA PEL	100 ppm
China MAC	100 ppm (335 mg/m³)
USA	50 ppm (335 mg/m³)

SECTION 12: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Parameter	Information
Fire Hazard	Non-flammable (does not burn easily); but reacts violently with oxygen and strong oxidizers
Flash Point	120-121°C
Autoignition Temperature	260°C
Explosion Hazard	No flash point or explosion risk under normal conditions; may explode in oxygen
Decomposition Products	Phosgene, hydrochloric acid, chlorine, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Suitable Extinguishing Media	Water spray (for cooling containers), foam, carbon dioxide, dry sand
Special Hazards	Emits highly toxic and irritating smoke during fire
Protective Equipment	Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing

SECTION 13: ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Parameter	Information
Ecotoxicity	Toxic to aquatic organisms (LC50 fish: ~5-20 mg/L)
Persistence	Persistent in soil and groundwater
Bioaccumulation	Low potential
Henry's Law Constant	4.97 (1.8°C) to 117.0 (70°C)
WGK Germany	3 (highly water-endangering)
Environmental Fate	Volatilizes rapidly; slow biodegradation; potential groundwater contaminant
Waste Disposal	Incineration (preferably mixed with other flammable fuels); ensure complete combustion to prevent phosgene formation; acid scrubber required

SECTION 14: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter	Information
UN Number	1897
Hazard Class	6.1 (Toxic)
Packing Group	III
Proper Shipping Name	TETRACHLOROETHYLENE (PERCHLOROETHYLENE)
Marine Pollutant	Yes
ADR/RID Label	6.1
Transport Temperature	Ambient
Special Provisions	Keep away from food and feed; keep in dark, well-ventilated area

SECTION 15: STORAGE

Parameter	Information
Storage Temperature	+2°C to +25°C
Storage Conditions	Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; protected from light
Container	Iron drums (tightly closed)
Materials to Protect From	Strong oxidizing agents, alkali metals, aluminum, strong bases
Stabilizers	Hydroquinone or other stabilizers to prevent decomposition
Storage Area	Away from any area with fire risk
Shelf Life	12-24 months (under proper storage with stabilizers)

SECTION 16: REGULATORY INFORMATION

Region	Status
EU	REACH registered; SVHC candidate (since 2010)
USA (TSCA)	Listed; significant new use rules
IARC	Group 2A (Probably carcinogenic to humans)
California Prop 65	Listed as carcinogen
RoHS	Exempted for certain uses
Stockholm Convention	Not listed
WGK Germany	3
Turkey	Chemical registration required; controlled substance

SECTION 17: SYNONYMS

Type	Names
Common	Perchlorethylene, Tetrachloroethylene, PER, PCE, PERC, PERK
Trade Names	Dowper, Perclene, Tetropil, Didakene, Perawin, Perklone, Fedal-un, Tetlen, Nema, Persec, Tetracap, Tetralex, Tetraleno, Tetroguer, Antisol 1, Percosolve, Ankilostin, Tetrochloroethane
Chemical Names	Carbon Dichloride, Ethylene Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethylene, Ethene, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloro-

SECTION 18: SAFETY AND PROTECTION MEASURES

Personal Protective Equipment

Equipment	Requirement
Protective Clothing	Impermeable work clothes, changed daily if contaminated
Eye Protection	Safety goggles
Respiratory Protection	Gas mask (for higher concentrations)
Gloves	Protective gloves
Skin Protection	Prevent skin and eye contact

Medical Surveillance

Periodic examination of skin, liver, kidney functions and central nervous system
Breath analysis helpful for assessing exposure
Pre-employment history of liver, kidney and neurological diseases should be considered

Determination Methods

Medium	Method
Air	Activated carbon adsorption → CS₂ treatment → Gas chromatography
Water	Inert gas purge → Gas chromatography or GC-MS (halide specific detection)

SECTION 19: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES DETAILED TABLE

Property	Value
Molecular Weight	165.83 g/mol
Density (25°C)	1.623 g/mL
Density (20°C)	1.6227 g/mL
Melting Point	-22.0°C to -22.7°C
Boiling Point	121.2°C
Boiling Point (4.000 × 10³ Pa)	33.2°C
Refractive Index	1.5055
Viscosity (20°C)	0.839 mPa·s
Vapor Pressure (20°C)	13 mm Hg
Vapor Pressure (40°C)	5.466 × 10³ Pa
Vapor Pressure (60°C)	13.865 × 10³ Pa
Vapor Pressure (80°C)	30.131 × 10³ Pa
Vapor Pressure (100°C)	58.128 × 10³ Pa
Vapor Density	5.83 (heavier than air)
Surface Tension	32.3 mN/m (20°C)
Critical Temperature	347.1°C
Critical Pressure	9.74 MPa
Odor Threshold	0.77 ppm
Water Solubility	0.15 g/L (25°C)

SECTION 20: STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Strengths

Strength	Description
Non-Flammable	No flash point or explosion risk under normal conditions
High Solvency	Excellent solvent for greases, oils, rubber, resins
Chemical Stability	Stable up to 500°C under proper conditions
Recyclable	Efficient for dry cleaning with low solvent consumption
Versatile	Wide range of industrial applications
High Density	1.623 g/mL; effective for separation processes
Low Surface Tension	32.3 mN/m; good wetting properties
KB Value	High; excellent grease dissolving capability

Weaknesses

Weakness	Description
Carcinogenicity	IARC Group 2A (probably carcinogenic)
Environmental Persistence	Persistent in soil and groundwater; long-term environmental effects
Decomposition	Decomposes to phosgene in presence of light, water, oxygen
Corrosivity	Corrosive to iron, aluminum, zinc
Toxic	Central nervous system depressant; toxic by inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion
Regulatory Restrictions	Subject to increasing regulatory control (REACH, SVHC)
Slow Elimination	98% exhaled very slowly; 62% retained in lungs after exposure
Water Contamination	Low water solubility (0.15 g/L) but can contaminate groundwater

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS

Warning	Description
Carcinogenicity	IARC Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) due to sufficient evidence in animals; suspected carcinogen in humans
CNS Depression	Tetrachloroethylene is a central nervous system inhibitor; exposure causes headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, death
Phosgene Formation	Decomposes to phosgene in presence of light, water, oxygen; a highly toxic gas
Corrosivity	Corrosive to metals (iron, aluminum, zinc); use corrosion-resistant equipment
Decomposition	Long-term decomposition in light, water, oxygen produces trichloroacetaldehyde and phosgene
Exposure Limits	TLV-TWA 50 ppm; TLV-STEL 200 ppm; never exceed limits
Incompatibilities	Violent reactions with barium powder, beryllium powder, lithium chips, dinitrogen tetroxide, sodium hydroxide, strong oxidizers, alkali metals
Environmental	Persistent and toxic to aquatic organisms (WGK 3); do not release to environment
Skin Absorption	Can be absorbed through skin; proper PPE required

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

Practice	Recommendation
Storage	Store in tightly closed containers at 2-25°C, protected from light; add stabilizers (hydroquinone, amines, phenol derivatives 10-500×10⁻⁶)
PPE	Use impermeable protective clothing, safety goggles, protective gloves; change daily if contaminated
Ventilation	Use in well-ventilated areas; local exhaust ventilation recommended
Monitoring	Regular monitoring of air concentration (ACGIH TLV-TWA 50 ppm); breath analysis for exposed workers
Medical	Pre-employment screening (liver, kidney, CNS); regular medical surveillance
Training	Train workers on hazards, PPE use, emergency procedures
Substitution	Where possible, consider safer alternatives for dry cleaning and degreasing
Waste Disposal	Incineration with acid scrubber; ensure complete combustion to prevent phosgene formation
Emergency	Post emergency procedures; eye wash and safety shower available; fire extinguishers (water spray for cooling)

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith; however, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications. Tetrachloroethylene is a suspected carcinogen and toxic substance; extreme caution must be exercised during handling, use, storage, and disposal. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.