Substance profile
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is a colorless liquid with a sweetish suffocating chloroform-like odor.
01 · Identification
What 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is a colorless liquid with a sweetish suffocating chloroform-like odor. Its molecular formula is C2H2Cl4 and its molecular weight is 167.8 g/mol. It boils at 146 °C, melts at -42.3 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H310 | Fatal in contact with skin. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P271, P273, P280, P302, P304, P310, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 146 °C (294.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 146.67 °C (296 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 146.11 °C (295 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -42.3 °C (-44.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -36.11 °C (-33 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.5953 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 1.595 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 1.5877 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | In water, 2,900 mg/L at 20 °C. | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| In water, 2,830 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 5 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 5 mmHg | at 21.11 °C | CAMEO | |
| 5.74 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | An explosion may occur when the solvent symmetrical tetrachloroethane is almost removed in the chlorinolysis of 2,4-dinitrophenyl disulfide. | HSDB | |
| Noncombustible Liquid | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor density | 5.79 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 5.8 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | The odor threshold in air is 1.5 ppm. | HSDB | |
| Low: 21.0 mg/cu m; High: 35.0 mg/cu m. | HSDB | ||
| The odor warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. | HSDB | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 388 °C (730.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Corrosive liquid | HSDB | |
| Liquid will attack some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
Storage conditions
Keep containers closed. Store in cool and dark place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reactivity: reacts violently with 2,4-dinitrophenyl disulfide, nitrogen trioxide, and on contact with potassium or sodium
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Halogenated aliphatic compounds, such as TETRACHLOROETHANE, are moderately or very reactive. Halogenated organics generally become less reactive as more of their hydrogen atoms are replaced with halogen atoms. Materials in this group may be incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they may be incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides. Decomposed by heat and UV light, forming phosgene and HCl; reacts violently with finely dispersed metals. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 886].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane in the storage compatibility matrix →