Abstract

Carbon tetrachloride at ordinary temperature and pressure is a heavy, colorless liquid with a characteristic nonirritant odor. It was one of the first organic chemicals produced on a large scale. It is produced in the United States by either the total chlorination of various hydrocarbons or chlorinated hydrocarbons, or by the chlorination of carbon disulfide. U.S. capacity has been estimated at about 273,000 t/yr. Production can be varied in favor of more coproduct perchloroethylene. Projected growth rates of , per year are probably overstated and actual production will probably fall even faster. The primary use of carbon tetrachloride, CFC-11 and CFC-12, will be banned by the Montreal Protocol by the year 2000. Carbon tetrachloride is regulated under a number o ederal and state laws.