Chemical
Products
Trichloro-Ethylene
Cas Number
79-01-6
Other Names
1,1,2-Trichloroethene,
1,1-Dichloro-2-Chloroethylene,
1-Chloro-2,2-Dichloroethylene,
Acetylene Trichloride,
TCE,
Trethylene,
Triclene,
Tri,
Trimar,
Trilene,
HCC-1120
The formula
C2HCl3
Introduction
Physical and Chemical Properties
The chemical compound trichloroethylene is a halocarbon commonly used as an industrial solvent. It is a clear non-flammable liquid with a sweet smell. It should not be confused with the similar 1,1,1-trichloroethane, which is commonly known as chlorothene.
| Physical state and Appearance : | Liquid. |
|---|---|
| Odor : | Ethereal. Fruity. |
| Color : | Colorless. |
| Boiling Point : | 65°C (149°F) @ 760 mm Hg |
| Critical Temperature : | 267°C (512.6°F) |
| Flash point : | CLOSED CUP: -14.5°C (5.9°F). OPEN CUP: -20°C (-4°F). |
| Melting Point : | -108.3°C (-162.9°F) |
| Specific Gravity : | 0.8892 (Water = 1) |
| Vapor Pressure : | 19.3 kPa (@ 20°C) |
| Vapor Density : | 2.5 (Air = 1) |
| Volatility : | 100% (v/v). |
| Solubility : | Easily soluble in diethyl ether, acetone. Partially soluble in cold water. Solubility in water is 30%. Miscible with alcohols, ketones, esters, hydrocarbons, and ethers. Very soluble in benzene, ethanol, and chloroform. |
| Mass fraction of Trichloroethylene C2HC13, % : | 99.2 |
| PH : | 9 – 11 |
| Mass fraction of free chlorine, % max. : | NIL |
| Mass fraction of non-volatile residue, % : | 0.0015 |
| Mass fraction of water, ppm, wt max. : | 150 |
| Alkalinity as Na2CO3, %max. : | 0.015 |
| Stabilizer – Triethylamine, % wt max. : | 0.0125 |
Applications
The main use of trichloroethylene is in the vapor degreasing of metal parts. It is also used as an extraction solvent for greases, oils, fats, waxes, and tars, a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals, and as a refrigerant. It is used in consumer products such as typewriter correction fluids, paint removers/strippers, adhesives, spot removers, and rug-cleaning fluids.