Chemical laboratory

Perchloroethylene

Industrial Dry Cleaning and Degreasing Solvent

  • CAS 127-18-4
  • Formula C₂Cl₄
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 1.622 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 121.1 °C °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 1.622 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 0.015 g/100 mL at 25°C -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight 165.83 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -22.4 °C °C
Vapor pressure 19 mmHg at 20°C mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Sweet, chloroform-like -
Vapor density 5.76 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Perchloroethylene (CAS 127-18-4) is a clear, colorless chlorinated solvent with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. Also known as tetrachloroethylene or PERC, this highly effective organic compound features exceptional cleaning power and low flammability, making it indispensable across industrial applications. With its molecular formula C₂Cl₄ and molecular weight of 165.83 g/mol, perchloroethylene offers superior degreasing capabilities while maintaining chemical stability under normal operating conditions.

Key Applications

Perchloroethylene serves as the backbone of commercial dry cleaning operations, effectively removing oils, greases, and stubborn stains from delicate fabrics without water damage. Industrial facilities rely on this solvent for precision degreasing of metal components, particularly in aerospace and automotive manufacturing where cleanliness standards are critical. The chemical also functions as an intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis and specialty chemical production, while laboratories utilize it as a reliable reagent for various analytical procedures.

Safety & Handling

Perchloroethylene is non-flammable under normal conditions, eliminating fire hazards during use. However, proper ventilation is essential due to its volatile nature (vapor pressure: 19 mmHg at 20°C). Workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection in poorly ventilated areas. The solvent's high vapor density (5.76 times heavier than air) means vapors can accumulate in low-lying areas, requiring adequate exhaust systems.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store perchloroethylene in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials such as carbon steel or stainless steel. Keep containers in cool, dry areas away from heat sources and maintain temperatures below 25°C for optimal stability. The chemical should be isolated from strong bases, aluminum, and reactive metals which can cause decomposition. When properly stored, perchloroethylene maintains its quality indefinitely under normal warehouse conditions.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers Perchloroethylene with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible transportation options including UPS for smaller quantities, LTL for standard shipments, and FTL for bulk orders. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure regulatory compliance and quality assurance for your operations.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is perchloroethylene (C2Cl4) and what is it used for?
Perchloroethylene (CAS 127-18-4, formula C2Cl4) is a colorless, nonflammable chlorinated solvent commonly used as an industrial degreaser, dry-cleaning solvent, and laboratory reagent. It is also used in metal cleaning, electronics cleaning, and as a chemical intermediate in specialty manufacturing.
How should perchloroethylene be stored and what is its shelf life?
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed original containers away from incompatible materials and direct sunlight; keep containers grounded and upright. When kept sealed and moisture-free, perchloroethylene is chemically stable and typically retains specification-grade quality for 1–5 years depending on grade—consult the supplier’s Certificate of Analysis (COA) for exact shelf-life guidance.
What are the key safety and handling precautions for perchloroethylene?
Use local exhaust ventilation and respiratory protection as needed to limit inhalation, wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, and avoid skin contact and prolonged exposures; follow the product SDS for specific PPE. Perchloroethylene is a respiratory and central nervous system irritant and is classified by IARC as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A), so adhere to occupational exposure limits and workplace controls.
What does it mean when perchloroethylene is offered at different concentrations or grades?
Different concentrations refer to purity and formulation: reagent or HPLC grades are typically >99.9% pure, technical grades are commonly >99% and may contain stabilizers or trace impurities, and blended products contain added detergents or co-solvents for specific applications. Choose the grade and concentration based on required purity, analytical needs, or process compatibility and consult the COA for impurity profiles.
What documentation is available when purchasing perchloroethylene?
Suppliers provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and a technical data sheet (TDS); additional documents can include transport declarations, REACH registration summaries, and test reports on request. Always review the SDS for hazard, first-aid, storage, and disposal instructions before use.
How is perchloroethylene shipped and what packaging options are common?
Perchloroethylene is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and must be shipped in accordance with applicable land, sea, and air dangerous-goods regulations; consult your carrier for specific requirements. Common packaging includes steel drums, lined IBCs, bulk tank trucks, and smaller UN-rated containers, with packaging selection based on volume and regulatory constraints.
Which materials are compatible or incompatible with perchloroethylene?
Perchloroethylene is compatible with stainless steel, glass, and PTFE, and can be stored in properly rated HDPE or steel containers; it may swell, soften, or dissolve many plastics and elastomers. Avoid using natural rubber, polystyrene, some PVC grades and certain elastomers without compatibility testing, and always validate seals and gaskets for your application.
What are the typical technical specifications for perchloroethylene?
Typical specifications include CAS 127-18-4, molecular weight 165.83 g/mol, colorless liquid appearance, boiling point ≈121 °C, and density ≈1.62 g/mL at 20–25 °C, with common commercial purities ≥99%. For exact limits (impurities, water content, refractive index), refer to the supplier’s COA and technical datasheet.
Which industries and applications commonly use perchloroethylene?
Major industries include textile care (dry cleaning), metal and parts degreasing, electronics and precision cleaning, chemical synthesis, and laboratory research as a high-performance solvent. It is selected where strong solvency for greases, oils, and certain polymers is required and where a nonflammable solvent is preferred.
How can I purchase perchloroethylene and what should I expect regarding availability?
Perchloroethylene is widely available from chemical distributors in multiple grades and pack sizes, often with short lead times for standard quantities; contact suppliers for custom packaging or bulk orders. Be prepared to provide end-use information or regulatory documentation if required, and verify local regulatory or permit requirements for purchase and use.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
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Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
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