Tetrachloroethylene

Tetrachloroethylene (CAS 127-18-4), commonly known as perc or PCE, is a chlorinated solvent used in industrial cleaning, degreasing, and chemical processing.

Where is Tetrachloroethylene used?

• Textile finishing and fabric care: dominant solvent in commercial dry-cleaning, removing oils, greases, and soils without damaging delicate fibers
• Leather processing: degreasing hides prior to tanning for uniform dye uptake and surface quality
• Plastics and polymers: reaction medium and carrier solvent in fluoropolymer production, particularly as a synthesis precursor
• Printing and packaging: cleaning solvent for press components and degreasing agent for metal substrates ahead of coating or lamination
• It serves as a carrier and process solvent where aqueous alternatives are impractical.
• Used for dry cleaning and for degreasing metals in the aerospace industry.

Formulation notes

• Often used in combination with trichloroethylene (TCE), another chlorinated solvent.
• Slowly decomposes on contact with moisture, producing trichloroacetic acid and hydrochloric acid.
• Decomposes on contact with hot surfaces or flames, producing toxic and corrosive fumes of hydrogen chloride, phosgene and chlorine.

Typical specification

• Octanol/water partition coefficient (log Pow): 3.4.

Regulatory status

• Classified as suspected of causing cancer (H351) under the harmonised CLP classification.
• UN classification: hazard class 6.1, packing group III.
• The EU occupational exposure limit is 138 mg/m³ (20 ppm) as TWA and 275 mg/m³ (40 ppm) as STEL, with skin notation.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Reacts violently with finely divided metals, creating a fire and explosion hazard.
• Should be stored separated from metals, ignition sources, and food and feed, kept in the dark, in a well-ventilated place, dry and cool.
• Do not transport together with food and feedstuffs; it is a marine pollutant.

Frequently asked questions about Tetrachloroethylene

Is the harmonised classification and labelling of tetrachloroethylene mandatory under EU CLP?

Yes, the harmonised classification and labelling under Annex VI of the CLP Regulation is mandatory.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.