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Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology

Tetrachloroethylene

Standard Article

J. C. Hickman¹

¹The Dow Chemical Company

DOI: 10.1002/0471238961.2005201808090311.a01
Article Online Posting Date: December 4, 2000

Abstract | Full Text: PDF (81K)

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Abstract

Tetrachloroethylene [127-18-4], perchloroethylene, tetrachloroethene, CCl₂⁺ = CCl₂, commonly referred to as “perc,” is widely used in the dry-cleaning industry as well as metal cleaning and vapor degreasing because of its excellent solvent properties. It has no flash point or flammable limits in air or oxygen. It is currently used as the feedstock in the production of CFC 113 (trichlorotrifluoroethane), but this end use will decline as CFC production is phased out under the Montreal Protocol. Demand for tetrachloroethylene was reported to be 610 thousand metric tons in 1987 worldwide. This article includes the physical and chemical properties of tetrachloroethylene, historical production and sales data within the United States, manufacturing locations and processes, as well as typical quality specifications. In addition, safety and toxicological considerations and environmental regulations pertinent to tetrachloroethylene are reviewed.