Tetrachloroethylene structure and uses

TCE Trichloroethylene ; Physical Properties of Trichloroethylene ; Trichloroethylene is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet odor. It is used as a solvent in the dry-cleaning of fabrics and as an degreasing agent in the manufacturing of metal parts. Physical properties of trichloroethylene include a boiling point of 81.5 degrees Celsius, a density of 1.47 grams per cubic centimeter, and a vapor pressure of 2,000 torr at 25 degrees Celsius. Use of Trichloroethylene Trichloroethylene is a colorless, non-flammable liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. It is used as a solvent in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, and other industrial products. It is also used as an anesthetic and in the cleaning of metal parts. Trichloroethylene can cause liver damage, and it is a suspected human carcinogen. Trichloroethylene Structure Trichloroethylene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It is used as a solvent in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, and other products. The Chemical Reaction of Trichloroethylene and Sodium Hydroxide When trichloroethylene (C2Cl3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) react, they form sodium trichloroethylene (NaC2Cl3), water (H2O), and hydrogen chloride gas (HCl). C2Cl3 (l) + 3 NaOH (aq) –> NaC2Cl3 (s) + 3 H2O (l) + HCl (g) The Industrial History of TCE In 1876, the first commercial use of TCE was recorded. In the early 1900s, TCE began to be used as a degreasing agent in the metalworking industry. In the 1940s and 1950s, TCE began to be used...

Chemical Formula of Tetrachloroethylene ; The chemical formula of tetrachloroethylene is C2Cl4. This compound is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is used as an industrial solvent and is toxic to humans. Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene, is a colorless liquid chemical compound with a sweet odor. It is used as an industrial solvent to remove grease from metal parts, as well as in the dry cleaning of clothes. Exposure to high levels of tetrachloroethylene can cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Long-term exposure to tetrachloroethylene may cause liver and kidney damage. Structure The formula for tetrachloroethylene is C2Cl4. The structure of tetrachloroethylene is a four-carbon chain with a pair of chlorine atoms bonded to the carbons at each end. Tetrachloroethylene is produced by the chlorination of ethylene. The chlorine atoms are added in succession, with the first chlorine atom adding to the end of the ethylene chain and the second chlorine atom adding to the middle of the chain. Uses Tetrachloroethylene is used as a solvent and a degreaser. It is also used in the dry cleaning industry. Tetrachloroethylene is toxic and can cause liver damage.

Perchloroethylene Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is the only chlorinated ethylene derivative that resists aerobic biodegradation. From: Environmental Organic Chemistry for Engineers, 2017 Related terms: • Nonaqueous Phase Liquid • Carbon Tetrachloride • Trichloroethylene • Surfactant • Ethylene • Polychlorinated Biphenyl • Dechlorination C. Barton, in Encyclopedia of Toxicology (Third Edition), 2014 Uses Tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene, or PCE) is an excellent solvent for organic materials. It is volatile, highly stable, and nonflammable. For these chemical properties, it is widely used in dry cleaning. It is also used to degrease metal parts in the automotive and other metalworking industries (e.g., cleaning tires, brakes, engines, carburetors and wire, and as an antiseizing agent). It appears in a few consumer products, including paint strippers and spot removers. PCE was first produced in the United States as a by-product of carbon tetrachloride manufacture in the early 1900s. The first widespread use of PCE was in the dry cleaning industry in the late 1930s. Production of PCE increased during the 1950s. Throughout the 1950s, about 80% of PCE was used for dry cleaning and 15% for metal cleaning and degreasing. In the 1960s, the dry cleaning industry accounted for about 90% of PCE consumption as large dry cleaning plants began favoring PCE over flammable petroleum solvents. After peaking in the 1970s, production and use of PCE decreased, probably as a res...

Updated: August 2018 Summary: An overhaul in 2016 of the main U.S. chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act, required EPA to choose the What kinds of products may use it? • Metal degreasers (for auto parts and electric motors) • Spot/stain removers (for clothes, carpet, or furniture) • Lubricants and greases • Metal and stone polishes • Paints and coatings including paint and coating removers • Mold removers and anti-mold sealants What hazards does it pose? • Probable human carcinogen • Neurotoxicity • Kidney and liver toxicity Who may be exposed or most at risk? • Workers and occupational bystanders in perc manufacturing and processing industries or using commercial products containing perc • Workers in the dry cleaning industry • Consumers using products that contain perc • People that depend on water sources contaminated with perc • People that live in environments contaminated with perc Production profile (2015) • U.S. manufacture (production and import): 324,240,744 lbs • Number of manufacturers: at least 13 • Number of manufacturing sites: 19 What industries use it? • Chlorination during chemical manufacturing • Dry cleaning • Wood furniture manufacturing • Plastic manufacturing • Automotive manufacture and repair • Electronic equipment degreasing • Cold and vapor degreasing (large-scale degreasing techniques) • Petrochemical manufacturing • Agricultural product manufacturing Perc additional resources • • • • • •