Perchlorethylene (Tetrachloroethylene)

What is Perchlorethylene (Tetrachloroethylene)?

Molecular Formula (Perchlorethylene (Tetrachloroethylene): C₂Cl₄

Molecular Weight: 165.822 g/mol

Chemical Name: Tetrachloroethylene

CAS Number: 127-18-4

It is a colorless, volatile, non-flammable chlorinated hydrocarbon in liquid form. It is a chemical compound formed by replacing the hydrogens in the Ethene molecule with Chlorine. It emits toxic phosgene fumes when exposed to sunlight or flame.

Perchlorethylene (Tetrachloroethylene) is a carcinogenic chemical for humans. When working with this chemical, safety precautions must be followed with maximum sensitivity. The risk of developing Parkinson's disease increases ninefold for people exposed to this chemical.

Other Names are as Follows;

• Perchlorethylene
• Tetrachloroethylene
• Tetrachloroethene
• Ethylene Tetrachloride
• Carbon Dichloride
• 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethylene
• Tetrachloroethene
• Tetrachloro-ethylene
• 1,2,2-Tetrachloroethylene
• PERC
• PCE

How is it Produced?

Perchlorethylene production is achieved by chlorinating Acetylene using a catalytic method. In this production, 70% ethylene is obtained. 20% Tetrachloroethylene is produced. 10% is produced.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties of Perchlorethylene (Tetrachloroethylene)?

It is a colorless liquid with a mild ethereal odor. It is a volatile, extremely stable, and non-flammable chemical.

Boiling point is 121 °C.

Melting point is -22 °C.

The solubility of Perchlorethylene in water is 0.15 g/L at 25 °C.

Its density at 20 °C is 1.62 g/cm³.

It is a stable chemical compound in terms of stability. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, alkali metals, Aluminum, and strong bases.

What are the Application Areas?

• The most common area of use for Tetrachloroethylene is dry cleaning. It has the ability to remove stains and dirt during dry cleaning without causing shrinkage of clothes and fabrics and without damaging them.
• It is used as a solvent chemical in the production of industrial cleaning products containing solvents.
• It is used together with trichloroethylene for cleaning contamination consisting of high-strength grease, asphalt, resin, and varnish at train stations and service stations.
• Tetrachloroethylene is used as an intermediate chemical in the production of many chemical end products. These include carpet and upholstery cleaner chemicals, water repellent chemicals, aerosols, adhesives, sealant chemicals, wood cleaner chemicals, polishes, and shoe polish.
• It is used as a solvent.
• It is a chemical used as a solvent in metalworking factories.
• It is used in the manufacture of processing aid chemicals used in petroleum production.
• It is used in combination with trichloroethylene in the composition of degreasing agents in the presence of a catalyst compound. One of the most important features here is that this composition does not form hydrochloric acid in the presence of water. It exhibits stable properties even in the gas phase.
• Perchlorethylene is used in the manufacture of some automotive maintenance products to provide solvent properties.

What are the Factors Affecting Prices?

The price of Perchlorethylene (Tetrachloroethylene) is directly proportional to the prices of the raw materials used in its production. As the price of Acetylene increases, the prices of this chemical will increase.

The price of Perchlorethylene (Tetrachloroethylene) will increase as its usage areas increase. However, due to its carcinogenic effects, the usage area of Perchlorethylene (Tetrachloroethylene) has been restricted. That is, it has decreased. For this reason, its price has shown a decrease over time.

Perchlorethylene (Tetrachloroethylene) prices are inversely proportional to the stocks of the companies that sell this chemical. As their stocks increase, prices will decrease.