Trichloroethylene (TCE) ACS Grade

Product Overview

Trichloroethylene (TCE) ACS Grade is a colorless, volatile organic solvent with a characteristic sweet odor. This ACS-grade material is formulated to meet stringent purity specifications suitable for analytical, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. The product is supplied with a low water content and minimal residue on evaporation, ensuring high performance in precision applications and reducing the risk of hydrolysis or interference in sensitive processes. Typical assay purity is 99.8% with a permissible range of 99–100.5%, validated by Gas Chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) or titration after derivatization, in accordance with recognized test methods used for ACS reagents and USP-NF monographs.

In addition to its role as a versatile degreasing solvent and chemical intermediate, TCE ACS Grade serves as a reliable solvent for chemical reactions, analytical chemistry, and extraction workflows. Its high purity supports reproducible chromatographic separations and catalytic or synthetic processes where trace impurities could affect yield or data integrity. With a density of approximately 1.463 g/mL at 25°C and a boiling range near 87–87.5°C, the material demonstrates suitable volatility and solvent strength for a broad range of lab-scale and manufacturing applications. Its compatibility with HDPE or glass containers and careful storage protect product integrity in industrial environments.

Key Properties

• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Odor: Sweet, chloroform-like odor
• Molecular Formula: C₂HCl₃
• Chemical Formula: C₂HCl₃
• Molecular Weight: 131.40 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 87–87.5°C
• Freezing Point: −73.5°C
• Density (25°C): 1.463 g/mL
• Specific Gravity (20°C): 1.458–1.462 (typical 1.46)
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.463
• Vapor Pressure (20°C): 74 mmHg
• Viscosity (25°C): 0.89 cP
• Flash Point: 11°C
• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
• Water Content (Karl Fischer): 0.02–0.05% (typical 0.02%)
• Residue After Evaporation: 0.005–0.01% (typical 0.005%)
• Chloride (Cl): ≤10 ppm (typical 5 ppm)
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): ≤5 ppm (typical 2 ppm)
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): ≤2 ppm (typical 1 ppm)
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): ≤5 ppm (typical 2 ppm)
• Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): ≤3 ppm (typical 1.5 ppm)
• Arsenic (As): ≤0.01 ppm (typical 0.005 ppm)
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Iron (Fe): ≤0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Copper (Cu): ≤0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Manganese (Mn): ≤0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Nickel (Ni): ≤0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Lead (Pb): ≤0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Zinc (Zn): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.1 ppm)
• Aluminum (Al): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.1 ppm)
• Chromium (Cr): ≤0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Cobalt (Co): ≤0.05 ppm (typical 0.02 ppm)
• Calcium (Ca): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Magnesium (Mg): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Potassium (K): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Sodium (Na): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Assay (GC-FID or Titration): 99.0–100.5% (typical 99.8%)
• Color (APHA/Hazen): ≤5 (typical 3)
• Residue on Ignition: ≤0.01% (typical 0.005%)
• pH (not applicable): -
• Other Notes: Substances reducing permanganate: Passes test

Common Applications

• Degreasing Agent: Industrial degreasing of metal parts in manufacturing processes, providing fast evaporation and effective removal of lubricants and oils.
• Solvent for Chemical Reactions: Used as a versatile solvent in synthesis and extraction steps, enabling robust reaction media for diverse chemistries.
• Analytical Chemistry Solvent: Employed in chromatography and analytical techniques due to high purity and low impurity profile.
• Intermediate in Chemical Synthesis: Precursor in the production of various fluorinated compounds and specialty chemicals.
• Extraction Solvent: Applied in environmental sample preparation for organic compound extraction, aiding trace analysis.
• Analytical Reference Material: Used as a benchmark solvent in standard methods and instrument calibration workflows.

Safety Precautions

Handle under a well-ventilated hood with appropriate PPE, including chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and a lab coat. Store in cool, ventilated areas away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and incompatible materials (strong oxidizers and acids) in HDPE or glass containers. Follow storage guidelines to minimize vapor exposure, and ensure containers are properly sealed during transport and storage. This product is classified as Flammable Liq. 2 and requires strict adherence to flammable solvent handling procedures and spill response protocols.

In case of exposure, follow emergency procedures: for inhalation, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms persist; for skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water and remove contaminated clothing; for ingestion, do not induce vomiting and seek immediate medical help. Transport and labeling should comply with UN 1710, Trichloroethylene, Class 3, Packing Group II. Refer to the SDS for detailed first-aid information, firefighting measures, and spill response guidelines.

Benefits

✔ High Purity ACS Grade – Provides reliable analytical performance with minimal interference in sensitive assays and chromatographic methods.
✔ Low Water Content – Reduces hydrolysis risk and improves reaction fidelity in moisture-sensitive processes.
✔ Minimal Residue on Evaporation – Enables accurate gravimetric and trace analyses with fewer impurities.
✔ Strict Heavy Metal Compliance – Meets ACS and USP-NF monographs with controlled heavy metal and arsenic levels for safer handling and consistent results.