Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) vs Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Comprehensive comparison of Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) and Trichloroethylene (TCE) including physical properties, applications, safety considerations, and pricing. Alliance Chemical supplies both chemicals in various grades and concentrations.
Quick Comparison Summary
Physical & Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) | Trichloroethylene (TCE) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 121.1 °C | 87.2 °C | Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) boils 33.9°C higher |
| Flash Point ⚠️ | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Density | 1.622 g/cm³ | 1.464 g/cm³ | Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) is denser |
| Water Solubility | 0.015 g/100 mL at 25 °C | 0.1 g/100 mL at 25°C | |
| pH | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Molecular Weight | 165.83 g/mol | 131.39 g/mol | Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) is heavier molecule |
| Melting Point | -22 °C | -86.4 °C | Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) melts 64.4°C higher |
| Vapor Pressure | 19 mmHg at 25°C | 58 mmHg at 20°C | Trichloroethylene (TCE) is more volatile |
| Auto-ignition Temp ⚠️ | N/A | 410 °C | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Vapor Density | 5.76 (air = 1) | 4.53 (air = 1) | Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) vapors sink more |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | Clear, colorless liquid | Similar appearance |
| Odor | Sweet, chloroform-like | Sweet, chloroform-like | Similar odor |
Data sourced from PubChem (NIH), OSHA Technical Guidelines, and Alliance Chemical laboratory analysis. Last verified March 2026.
Applications & Use Cases
Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) Best For:
- Dry cleaning solvent
- Metal degreasing
- Chemical intermediate
- Heat transfer fluid
- Laboratory reagent
Trichloroethylene (TCE) Best For:
- Industrial solvent
- Degreasing metal parts
- Laboratory reagent
- Extraction solvent
- Chemical intermediate
Choosing Between Them
The right choice depends on your specific application, required purity, and handling capabilities. Contact our team for guidance on which chemical best fits your needs.
Safety & Handling Comparison
Storage Requirements
Always store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area per NFPA 30 guidelines. Refer to each product's SDS for specific storage temperature ranges and incompatible materials.
PPE Requirements
At minimum: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138. Check each SDS below for chemical-specific PPE requirements.
Fire Hazard
Consult SDS for specific fire hazard information.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
Decision Snapshot
| Decision Factor | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Profile | Trichloroethylene (TCE) | Lower boiling point supports faster flash-off. |
| Fire Safety Margin | Check SDS | Flash-point data is incomplete for one or both products. |
| Application Breadth | Tie | Compares distinct listed use cases to avoid generic recommendations. |
| Purity Flexibility | Standard grades | Based on availability of 99%+ concentration options in current product metadata. |
Choose Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) if:
- You specifically need support for metal degreasing applications.
- You specifically need support for heat transfer fluid applications.
- You need a higher-boiling solvent that stays in-process longer.
Choose Trichloroethylene (TCE) if:
- You specifically need support for industrial solvent applications.
- You specifically need support for degreasing metal parts applications.
- You want a faster-evaporating solvent for quick-dry production steps.
Commercial & Fulfillment Snapshot
Built for purchasing teams that need predictable dispatch, compliant documentation, and freight flexibility from parcel to full truckload.
| Procurement Advantage | Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) | Trichloroethylene (TCE) |
|---|---|---|
| Grade & Concentration Coverage | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. |
| Packaging Depth | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. | 1 Quart Can to 4 x 55 Gallon Drums for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. |
| Dispatch SLA | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. |
| Freight Optionality | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. |
| Compliance Readiness | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. |
| Bulk Procurement CTA | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. |
Need Help Deciding? Our technical team can help you choose the right chemical for your specific application. Email sales@alliancechemical.com for expert guidance.
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Alliance Chemical supplies both Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) and Trichloroethylene (TCE) in various grades and package sizes.