PERCHLORETHYLENE

  • Cas No: 127-18-4
  • EINESC No: 204-825-9
  • Molecular Weight: 165.82 g/mol

Tin

-

Barrel

330 Kg

IBC

1650 Kg

Pouring

5-25 Ton

Physical characteristics

  • General Properties:  Clear, colorless liquid
  • Odor: Chlorinated, Irritating
  • Density: 1.622 g/cm3
  • Boiling Point: 121.1 °C
  • Melting Point: −19 °C
  • Flash Point: –
  • Vapor Pressure: 14 mmHg (20 °C)
  • Refractive Index: 1.5055 nD
  • Solubility (in water): 0.15 g/L (25 °C)

production

Perchlorethylene is industrially produced mostly by high temperature chlorolysis of light hydrocarbons. Many by-products are also produced during this process. These products are then separated by further distillation. In addition, ethylene chloride can also be produced when it is heated up to 400 °C with chlorine and catalyzed with potassium chloride, ammonium chloride or activated carbon. Similar to the first method, it is separated from the by-products formed later by distillation.

General features

Perchlorethylene, also known as tetrachlorethylene, is a colorless, sharp-smelling solvent used in many areas, especially in dry cleaning. Even if it is 1 ppm in the air, its smell can be noticed by people. Perchlorethylene is both a very good organic solvent and its toxicity is much lower than other chlorinated solvents.

Usage areas

Perchlorethylene is industrially used mostly in dry cleaning. For this reason, it is also referred to as dry cleaning fluid. Since it is a very good organic solvent, its success in stain removal and its low toxicity compared to other chlorinated solvents cause perchlorethylene to be widely used in this field. In addition, it is used to clean oils on metal in automotive and many other metal-related industries. Paint removers and some other stain removers also contain perchlorethylene. Although it was used as a coolant and in drug production in the past, it is no longer used in these areas today.

Safety Precautions and Toxicity

The toxicity of perchlorethylene is classified between moderate and low. Although it is widely used in dry cleaning, reports of poisoning related to perchlorethylene are very rare. Since it is a very good degreaser, it can also cause serious damage to the tissues by dissolving the oils in the tissues when it comes into contact. Therefore, it is extremely irritating to eyes and skin. Prolonged contact may cause severe chemical burns.

Perchlorethylene can be taken into the body both by inhalation and by absorbing through the skin, and it is suspected to have a carcinogenic effect in continuous intake. In addition, by affecting the central nervous system, excessive exposure may cause effects such as dizziness, numbness and nausea. In case of continuous exposure, it is suspected that it may cause color blindness. Therefore, while working, safety precautions should be followed and contact with the skin should be avoided.

Perchlorethylene is very dangerous for aquatic life. Because it is denser than water, it sinks to the bottom and is therefore very difficult to clean. Therefore, it should never be given to the city sewer system.