Substance profile
Pentachloroethane
Pentachloroethane is a colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Pentachloroethane is
Pentachloroethane is a colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Its molecular formula is C2HCl5 and its molecular weight is 202.3 g/mol. It boils at 162 °C, melts at -28.8 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
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 |
|---|---|
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H372 | Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P270, P273, P280, P308, P313, P314, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Pentachloroethane 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 | 162 °C (323.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 161.11 °C (322 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 162.22 °C (324 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -28.78 °C (-19.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -28.89 °C (-20 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.68 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.6796 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.6728 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with ethanol, ether | HSDB | |
| Miscible in most common organic solvents | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 3 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 3.4 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 3.5 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | May self-ignite. | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Not flammable by standard tests in air. | HSDB | |
| Moderately explosive, by spontaneous chemical reaction. | HSDB | ||
| Vapors in confined areas may explode when exposed to fire. | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | 7 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 7.2 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| Odor threshold | It has a camphor-like odor. | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Dry pentachloroethane does not corrode iron; if it is stored over longer periods of time, however, the addition of amine stabilizers is recommended. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Pentachloroethane
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Solubility
Wt per gallon at 20 °C = 14.00 lb; latent heat of vaporization at bp = 43.6 cal/g = 78.4 Btu/lb; acidity as HCl = 0.001% by wt, max; coefficient of cubical expansion Av/deg C, liquid = 0.0009097; solubility of water in solvent at 20 °C = 0.24 g water/100 g
Source: HSDB
Odor
It has a sweetish odor, not unlike chloroform. The threshold at which the odor is detected has not been determined, and therefore its value as a warning is not known.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Pentachloroethane
Storage conditions
Separated from food and feedstuffs, strong bases and powdered metals. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Mixtures of sodium-potassium alloy & ... pentachloroethane can explode on standing at room temperature. They are especially sensitive to impact.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
A mixture of PENTACHLOROETHANE with potassium may explode after a short delay. Reaction with alkalis or metals will produce a violent reaction. This compound also reacts violently with NaK alloy + bromoform. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Pentachloroethane in the storage compatibility matrix →