Perchloroethylene ACS Grade

Product Overview

Perchloroethylene ACS Grade, chemically known as Tetrachloroethylene (PERC), is a high-stability, colorless liquid solvent valued for its exceptional solvency power and non-flammable properties. With the chemical formula C₂Cl₄ and CAS 127-18-4, this product is refined to meet American Chemical Society (ACS) specifications, ensuring low residue and high purity (typically ≥99.8%) for critical industrial and laboratory applications.

Unlike many hydrocarbon solvents, Perchloroethylene offers a unique safety profile regarding flammability, having no flash point. It is a heavy, volatile liquid (density approx. 1.62 g/mL) that is immiscible with water but miscible with most organic solvents. These physical characteristics make it the industry standard for vapor degreasing, dry cleaning, and extracting fats, oils, and greases from various substrates. The ACS Grade designation guarantees strict limits on impurities such as water, acids, and heavy metals, making it suitable for sensitive manufacturing processes and analytical testing where residue must be minimized.

Key Properties

• Chemical Name: Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene)
• CAS Number: 127-18-4
• Grade: ACS Reagent
• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Chemical Formula: C₂Cl₄
• Molecular Weight: 165.83 g/mol
• Density (20°C): ~1.62 g/mL
• Boiling Point: 121°C (250°F)
• Solubility: Immiscible in water; miscible in alcohol and ether
• Assay: Min 99.0% (Typical 99.8%)
• Residue After Evaporation: Max 0.006%

Common Applications

• Industrial Degreasing: Highly effective vapor degreasing solvent for removing heavy oils, greases, and buffing compounds from metal parts without leaving residue.
• Chemical Processing: utilized as a reaction medium and extraction solvent in the synthesis of fluorocarbons and other industrial chemicals.
• Laboratory Reagent: Used in chromatography and spectroscopy (such as FTIR oil and grease analysis) due to its lack of hydrogen atoms and specific spectral transparency.
• Fabric Care: A primary solvent in dry cleaning operations due to its ability to dissolve fats and waxes without damaging common fibers.
• Adhesives and Sealants: Acts as a carrier solvent in formulations requiring rapid evaporation and non-flammability.

Safety Precautions

Perchloroethylene is a regulated chemical and should be handled with strict adherence to safety protocols. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This product is classified as a Toxic Liquid (Class 6.1) and is a potential occupational carcinogen. It is non-flammable but emits toxic fumes if exposed to extreme heat or open flames.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Operators must use solvent-resistant gloves (such as Viton or PVA), safety goggles, and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact. Use only in areas with adequate engineering controls or exhaust ventilation to keep vapor concentrations below OSHA permissible exposure limits. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed emergency response, disposal, and transport information (UN 1897).

Benefits

ACS Purity: Minimizes process variables and ensures consistent analytical results.
Non-Flammable: Reduces fire risk compared to other hydrocarbon degreasers.
High KB Value: Superior solvency power for dissolving tough organic contaminants.
Fast Evaporation: Dries quickly from parts and surfaces, speeding up process times.

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