Perchloroethylene ACS Grade

Product Overview

Perchloroethylene ACS Grade, also known as Tetrachloroethylene (PERC), is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic sweet odor. Its chemical formula is C₂Cl₄, and it is widely used in industrial settings as a high-solvency solvent for dry cleaning, degreasing, and formulation of adhesives. The ACS grade designation indicates tight impurity controls and adherence to reagent-quality specifications suitable for laboratory and manufacturing applications. This solvent exhibits a relatively low flammability profile for a hydrocarbon chlorinated solvent, with a boiling range of 121–122°C and a vapor pressure around 9.5 mmHg at 20°C, enabling controlled evaporation and effective material compatibility in process streams. The product is supplied with certified assay purity near 99.8% by GC-FID testing, meeting ACS and USP-NF monographs as a high-purity reference solvent for sensitive analytical and preparative workflows.

Its properties support robust performance in dry cleaning and degreasing contexts, where strong solvency powers are needed to remove oils, waxes, and synthetic residues from textiles and metal parts. The solvent’s density (approximately 1.625 g/mL at 20°C) and immiscibility in water contribute to straightforward phase handling in separation steps. In addition to process utility, Perchloroethylene ACS Grade is produced under stringent controls that minimize residuals such as trace metals and anions, aligning with industry expectations for purity, reproducibility, and compliance in regulated environments.

Key Properties

• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Chemical Formula: C₂Cl₄
• Molecular Weight: 165.83 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 121–122°C
• Specific Gravity (20°C): 1.62–1.63 (typical 1.625)
• Density (25°C): 1.622 g/mL
• Vapor Pressure (20°C): 9.5 mmHg
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.461
• Viscosity (25°C): 0.89 cP
• Odor: Sweet, chloroform-like odor
• Residue After Ignition: Max 0.001% (typical 0.0005%)
• Chloride (Cl⁻) (ppm): Max 10 (typical 2)
• Water Content (Karl Fischer): Max 0.02% (typical 0.01%)
• Heavy Metals (as Pb, total): Max 0.5 ppm (typical 0.1 ppm)
• Assay Purity (GC-FID): Min 99% to Max 100.5% (typical 99.8%)
• Compliance: ACS Reagent Grade; USP-NF Monograph compliant

Common Applications

• Application Category: Dry Cleaning Solvent – Used for fabric stain removal due to strong solvency and compatibility with a wide range of textiles while maintaining fabric integrity under controlled processing conditions
• Application Category: Degreasing Agent – Effective in removing oils, greases, and lubricants from metal components in automotive and manufacturing settings
• Application Category: Solvent for Adhesives – Serves as a carrier and solvent in formulations for adhesives and sealants requiring low water content and high volatility
• Application Category: Chemical Intermediate – Precursor in synthesis of various fluorinated compounds and chemical intermediates used in specialty markets
• Application Category: Extraction Solvent – Utilized in extraction processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients from plant materials under controlled solvent-to-solid ratios
• Application Category: Analytical Reagent – Provides a stable, high-purity medium for chromatographic and spectroscopic sample preparation

Safety Precautions

Handle and store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition. Use compatible containers (HDPE or glass) and ensure process areas are equipped with adequate ventilation. PPE should include chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing to minimize skin and eye contact. Follow established labeling and storage requirements and segregate from incompatibles as described in the SDS and local regulations.

In addition to basic handling, be aware of occupational exposure limits and emergency response procedures. The product is classified as Flam. Liq. 2 with associated hazards including inhalation toxicity and potential central nervous system effects. In the event of exposure, provide fresh air, immediate medical evaluation if symptoms occur, and follow eyewash and safety shower protocols. Transport is regulated under UN 1279, Perchloroethylene, Class 6.1, PG II, with standard spill, leak, and contamination control procedures in accordance with OSHA and relevant transport regulations.

Benefits

✔ High Purity ACS Grade – Ensures consistent performance in analytical and processing applications with minimal impurity-related variability.
✔ Excellent Solvency – Strong cleaning power for oils, waxes, and synthetic residues while maintaining fabric and material compatibility in controlled processes.