Substance profile
Trichloroethylene
Trichloroethylene is a colorless liquid (unless dyed blue) with an ethereal odor.
01 · Identification
What Trichloroethylene is
Trichloroethylene is a colorless liquid (unless dyed blue) with an ethereal odor. Its molecular formula is C2HCl3 and its molecular weight is 131.38 g/mol. It boils at 87.2 °C, melts at -84.7 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Trichloroethylene
- TCE
- trichlor
- Acetylene Trichloride
- Algylen
- Anamenth
- Benzinol
- Blacosolv
- Blancosolv
- Cecolene
- Chlorilen
- 1-Chloro-2,2-Dichloroethylene
- Chlorylea
- Chlorylen
- Chorylen
- trichloroethene
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 |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P264, P273, P280, P302, P305, P308, P313, P332, P337, P338, P352, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Trichloroethylene 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 | 87.2 °C (189 °F) | HSDB | |
| 16 °C (60.8 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 87.22 °C (189 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Melting point | -84.7 °C (-120.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -72.78 °C (-99 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.46 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.4642 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.46 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with ethanol, ethyl ether; soluble in acetone, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform | HSDB | |
| In water, range of 999-1,472 mg/L at 25 °C (average of 1,118 mg/L) | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 1,280 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 58 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 60 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 69 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 93.33 °C (200 °F) | above this value | CAMEO |
| Autoignition temperature | 420 °C (788 °F) | HSDB | |
| 410 °C (770 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 12.5 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| 8 % by volume | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 90 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| 10.5 % by volume | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 4.53 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.5 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | 5.00X10-1 mg/l (liquid) (detection in water) | HSDB | |
| 2.14X10+1 ppm (recognition in air) (chemically pure) | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.5 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 271.05 °C (519.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Non-corrosive | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Trichloroethylene
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. Light sensitive. Handle and store under inert gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents, strong bases, magnesium.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
It has been determined experimentally that mixtures of finely divided barium metal and a number of halogenated hydrocarbons possess an explosive capability. Specifically, impact sensitivity tests have shown that granular barium in contact with monofluorotrichloromethane, trichlorotrifluoroethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, or tetrachloroethylene can detonate (ASESB Pot. Incid. 39. 1968; Chem. Eng. News 46(9):38. 1968). It has been determined experimentally that a mixture of beryllium powder with carbon tetrachloride or with trichloroethylene will flash or spark on heavy impact (ASESB Pot. Incid. 39. 1968). A mixture of powdered magnesium with trichloroethylene or with carbon tetrachloride will flash or spark under heavy impact (ASESB Pot. Incid, 39. 1968).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Trichloroethylene in the storage compatibility matrix →
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