Tetrachloroethylene

  • Perchloroethylene
  • Tetrachloroethene
  • 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethylene
  • Carbon dichloride
  • Carbon bichloride
Formula Cl2CCCl2
Structure
Description Colorless liquid with mildly sweet odor, resembling diethyl ether or chloroform. The odor can be intense and unpleasant at high concentrations.
Uses Dry cleaning.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 127-18-4
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 204-825-9
EC Index Number 602-028-00-4
EC Class Carcinogenic Category 3; Dangerous for the Environment
EC Risk Phrase R 40 51/53
EC Safety Phrase S 23 36/37 61
RTECS KX3850000
RTECS class Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Tumorigen; Drug; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data; Primary Irritant
UN (DOT) 1897
Merck 12,9332
Beilstein/Gmelin 1361721
Beilstein Reference 4-01-00-00715
RCRA U210
EPA OPP 78501
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-2080
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Japan ENCS (MITI) Listed
Korea ECL Listed

Odor Threshold Odor threshold 4.68 ppm
Properties.
Formula C2Cl4
Formula mass 165.83
Melting point, °C -22
Boiling point, °C 121.1
Vapor pressure, mmHg 19 (25 C)
Vapor density (air=1) 5.76
Saturation Concentration 2.43% (25 C)
Evaporization number 2.8 (butyl acetate=1)
Critical temperature 347
Density 1.63 g/cm3 (20 C)
Solubility in water < 0.1 mg/ml
Viscosity 0.73 cp (40 C)
Surface tension 31.74 g/s2 at 20 C in contact with vapor
Refractive index 1.5055 (20 C)
Dipole moment 0 D
Dielectric constant 2.4 (20 C)
Partition coefficient, pKow 3.40
Heat of fusion 10.6 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization 39.64 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion -680 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Keep away from heat and flame. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep containers tightly closed.
WHMIS D1B D2A D2B
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use with adequate ventilation. Do not reuse this container. Avoid breathing vapors from heated material. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep container tightly closed. Keep away from flames and other sources of high temperatures that may cause material to form vapors or mists.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.
Small spills/leaks Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Flush down the spill with a large amount of water. Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide ventilation.
Stability Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Incompatibilities Strong bases, alkali metals and aluminum.
Decomposition Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.

Fire.
Flash Point,°C 45
Fire fighting Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Containers may explode in the heat of a fire. Extinguishing media: Substance is noncombustible; use agent most appropriate to extinguish surrounding fire. For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray. For large fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
Fire potential Hard to ignite.
Hazards Air/vapor mixtures may explode when ignited. Container may explode in heat of fire.
Combustion products Toxic, irritating gases may be generated in fires.
NFPA Health 2
  Flammability 0  
  Reactivity 0  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) OSHA PEL: TWA 100 ppm C 200 ppm 300 ppm (5-minute maximum peak in any 3-hours) NIOSH REL: Ca Minimize workplace exposure concentrations. See Appendix A NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational carcinogen 150 ppm
Carcinogin G-A3, I-2A, N-2, CP65
Poison_Class 4
Exposure effects Possible cancer hazard based on tests with laboratory animals. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause defatting and dermatitis. May cause respiratory tract cancer. May cause adverse nervous system effects including muscle tremors and incoordination. May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause reproductive and fetal effects.
   Ingestion May cause central nervous system depression, kidney damage, and liver damage. Symptoms may include: headache, excitement, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stupor, and coma. May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
   Inhalation Inhalation of vapor may cause respiratory tract irritation. May cause central nervous system effects including vertigo, anxiety, depression, muscle incoordination, and emotional instability.
   Skin May cause severe irritation and possible burns.
   Eyes Contact with eyes may cause severe irritation, and possible eye burns.

First aid
 
   Ingestion If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
   Inhalation Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.
   Skin Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists. Wash clothing before reuse. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water.
   Eyes Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Transport.
UN number 1897
Response guide 160
Hazard class 6.1
Packing Group III  
USCG CHRIS Code TTE  
USCG Compatatibility Group 36 Halogenated hydrocarbons
HS Code 2903 23 00  
Std. Transport # 4910134  
IMO Pollution Category B
IMO Hazard code S/P