T

Tetrachloroethylene

IUPAC: 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethene

C2Cl4 Organic Compounds CAS 127-18-4
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC2Cl4
CAS Number127-18-4
Molecular Weight165.8
Melting Point-2 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point250 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.63 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilityless than 0.1 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePerchloroethylene appears as a clear colorless volatile liquid having an ether-like odor. Noncombustible. Insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. Density approximately 13.5 lb / gal. Used as d...
Also Known As1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethene; Tetrachloroethene; 127-18-4; Perchloroethylene; Tetrachlorethylene; Perc; Perchlorethylene; Ethene, tetrachloro-; Ethylene tetrachloride; 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethylene
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Tetrachloroethylene?

Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) can cause cancer according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.

Formula & Notation

C2Cl4

IUPAC Name: 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethene

Other Names / Synonyms: 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethene; Tetrachloroethene; 127-18-4; Perchloroethylene; Tetrachlorethylene; Perc; Perchlorethylene; Ethene, tetrachloro-; Ethylene tetrachloride; 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethylene

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Perchloroethylene appears as a clear colorless volatile liquid having an ether-like odor. Noncombustible. Insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. Density approximately 13.5 lb / gal. Used as d.... Molecular formula: C2Cl4. Molecular weight: 165.8 g/mol. Boiling point: 250 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -2 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.63 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: less than 0.1 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 14 mmHg at 68 °F ; 15.8 mmHg at 72 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 3.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-2 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point250 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.63 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight165.8
Solubilityless than 0.1 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePerchloroethylene appears as a clear colorless volatile liquid having an ether-like odor. Noncombustible. Insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. Density approximately 13.5 lb / gal. Used as d...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Tetrachloroethylene
Formula C2Cl4
CAS Number 127-18-4
Molecular Weight 165.8
Synonyms 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethene; Tetrachloroethene; 127-18-4; Perchloroethylene; Tetrachlorethylene; Perc; Perchlorethylene; Ethene, tetrachloro-; Ethylene tetrachloride; 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethylene

Frequently Asked Questions

Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) can cause cancer according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.