Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC)

Product Overview

Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) is a heavy, colorless, volatile liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon widely utilized across multiple industrial sectors. With its chemical formula C2Cl4 and CAS number 127-18-4, this chlorinated solvent offers exceptional stability and non-flammable characteristics, making it an invaluable asset in highly demanding operational environments. It exhibits a characteristic ether-like odor and has a high vapor density, meaning its vapors are heavier than air. This product is key for heavy-duty vapor degreasing, cold cleaning, and chemical synthesis.

As a premier Texas chemical distributor, Alliance Chemical supplies this high-purity chlorinated solvent to meet the rigorous demands of industrial manufacturers nationwide. This volatile organic compound is insoluble in water but highly miscible with most organic solvents, allowing it to easily dissolve fats, oils, greases, and waxes from metallic surfaces. Because of its stability, low viscosity, and high boiling point of 250 °F, industrial facilities depend on Perchloroethylene to achieve spotless surfaces in automated cleaning systems and precision metal fabrication processes.

Why This Grade

Industrial processes require a consistent, high-purity profile of Perchloroethylene to prevent operational failures and ensure chemical stability. While specific grade standards like ACS or USP are not applicable to standard technical-grade solvents, the purity of our Perchloroethylene is carefully maintained to exclude moisture and trace contaminants. Moisture in chlorinated solvents can lead to hydrolysis, generating small amounts of hydrochloric acid which corrodes storage tanks, processing equipment, and the very metal parts being cleaned.

Using an inferior or degraded solvent can lead to catastrophic failure modes in closed-loop vapor degreasing systems. Trace volatile residues can contaminate sensitive electrical components or leave microscopic films on aerospace parts, compromising downstream adhesion or coating processes. Choosing Alliance Chemical's controlled-purity Perchloroethylene prevents these costly solvent breakdown issues, ensuring your vapor degreasers run efficiently without premature solvent decomposition or equipment corrosion.

Industrial Applications

• Vapor degreasing in metal manufacturing to remove cutting oils, lubricants, and protective greases from fabricated components before surface finishing.
• Dry cleaning solvent of choice for commercial textile facilities requiring deep soil extraction without damaging specialized synthetic fibers.
• Chemical intermediate in the manufacture of fluorinated compounds, refrigerants, and other specialty chlorinated organic chemicals.
• Metal drying agent used to displace water from delicate metallic components after aqueous wash cycles or plating procedures.
• Formulation component in automotive aerosols, brake cleaners, and specialized adhesive mixtures requiring fast evaporation and strong solvent action.

Hazmat & Shipping

Perchloroethylene is classified as a regulated hazardous material for transportation. Under the Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines, this chemical is shipped under the proper shipping name TETRACHLOROETHYLENE, identified as UN1897, Hazard Class 6.1 (Toxic Substances), Packing Group III. The GHS Signal Word is Danger. It is critical to recognize the safety profile associated with this solvent, including its designation as a suspected carcinogen under hazard statement H351, and its toxic effects on aquatic life under hazard statement H411.

Due to these regulated hazards, shipping requires strict compliance with hazmat packaging regulations. Transport containers must be appropriately labeled and secured to prevent accidental release or exposure during transit. Personnel handling this substance must utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as dictated by GHS guidelines, including nitrile or Viton gloves, chemical splash goggles, and respirators in poorly ventilated areas to mitigate risk from hazardous vapors. Every shipment from Alliance Chemical is fully documented with a compliant shipping manifest, and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided with every order to ensure safe handling from dock to storage.

Handling & Storage

Perchloroethylene should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, with temperatures ideally maintained below 100 °F to minimize vaporization. Compatible storage container materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, and Teflon, while contact with aluminum, zinc, and strong bases must be avoided due to potential reactive degradation. The product is noncombustible, but heat exposure can generate toxic fumes of phosgene and hydrogen chloride, requiring secure secondary containment to prevent any environmental release into soil or waterways.

Order & Documentation

Our customer support team is ready to assist with bulk logistics, custom packaging, and technical specifications for your facility's requirements. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request for every production batch to verify quality and purity parameters. To secure your supply of industrial-grade solvents, you can Request a Quote today or Order Perchloroethylene Online directly. You can also Download the SDS to review full compliance protocols.

Why Buy from Alliance Chemical

Since 1997, Alliance Chemical has supplied premium industrial chemicals from Taylor, Texas under CAGE Code 1LT50, with a COA and SDS included on every order. For industrial use only.