Substance profile
Tetrachloroethylene
Tetrachloroethylene is a colorless liquid with an ether-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Tetrachloroethylene is
Tetrachloroethylene is a colorless liquid with an ether-like odor. Its molecular formula is C2Cl4 and its molecular weight is 165.8 g/mol. It boils at 121 °C, melts at -22.2 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Tetrachloroethylene
- perchloroethylene
- perc
- PCE
- Ankilostin
- Antisol 1
- Carbon Bichloride
- Carbon Dichloride
- Didakene
- Dilatin Pt
- Dow-Per
- Ent 1,860
- Ethene, Tetrachloro-
- Ethylene Tetrachloride
- Ethylene, Tetrachloro-
- F 1110
- Antisal 1
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>. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P273, P280, P308, P313, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Tetrachloroethylene 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 | 121.2 °C (250.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 121.11 °C (250 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 121.11 °C (250 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -22.2 °C (-8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -18.89 °C (-2 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.62 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.623 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.63 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water | HSDB | |
| Miscible with alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzene | HSDB | ||
| In water, 206 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 14 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 14 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 18.5 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | No flash point in conventional closed tester. | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 650 °C (1202 °F) | above this value | ICSC |
| Not flammable (USCG, 1999) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Mixtures with lithium shavings ... are impact-sensitive and will explode, sometimes violently. | HSDB | |
| Noncombustible Liquid, but decomposes in a fire to hydrogen chloride and phosgene. | decomposes | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 5.83 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 5.7 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Recognition in air: 4.68 ppm (chemically pure) | HSDB | |
| The odor threshold for tetrachloroethylene has been established as 32 mg/ cu m. | HSDB | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 347.1 °C (656.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Corrosion of aluminum, iron, and zinc, which is negligible unless water is present, can be inhibited by the addition of stabilizers | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of Tetrachloroethylene
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.
Fire and explosion
The presence of 0.5% of trichloroethylene as impurity in tetrachloroethylene during unheated drying over solid sodium hydroxide caused the generation of dichloroacetylene. After subsequent fractional distillation, the volatile fore-run exploded.
Source: HSDB
Fully encapsulating, vapor-protective clothing should be worn for spills and leaks with no fire. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on leak, spill area or inside container. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
Source: HSDB
Odor
The distinctive odor of tetrachloroethylene does not necessarily provide adequate warning. Because tetrachloroethylene quickly desensitizes olfactory responses, persons can suffer exposure to vapor concentrations in excess of TLV limits without smelling it.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Tetrachloroethylene
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PERCHLOROETHYLENE decomposes upon heating and exposure to UV light to give phosgene and HCl. Reacts violently with finely dispersed light metals (aluminum) and zinc. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980 p. 887]. Mixtures with finely divided barium or lithium metal can detonate [ASESB Pot. Incid. 39. 1968; Chem. Eng. News 46(9):38. 1968]. Decomposes very slowly in water to form trichloroacetic acid and hydrochloric acid
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Tetrachloroethylene in the storage compatibility matrix →
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