Trichloroethylene (TCE) Technical Grade

Product Overview

Trichloroethylene (TCE) Technical Grade is a colorless, volatile organic solvent formulated for industrial degreasing, adhesive formulation, and analytical applications. With a boiling point of 87.2°C and a low odor profile described as a sweet, chloroform-like note, this solvent provides reliable performance in metal cleaning and as a versatile extraction solvent. Purity is validated against ACS/USP criteria, ensuring consistent composition for demanding processes and compatibility with a broad range of organic systems. Compliant with ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF Monograph standards, this product offers robust trace impurity control and heavy metal limits to meet rigorous laboratory and manufacturing requirements. The material is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) detailing assay, color, specific gravity, residuals, and elemental impurities to support strict quality assurance programs in chemical manufacturing, solvents distribution, and analytical laboratories.

Key Properties

• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Odor: Sweet, chloroform-like odor
• Chemical Formula: C₂HCl₃
• Molecular Weight: 131.40 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 87.2°C
• Freezing Point: -73.1°C
• Specific Gravity (20°C): 1.461–1.465 (typical 1.463)
• Density (25°C): 1.463 g/mL
• Vapor Pressure (20°C): 74 mmHg
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.466
• Flash Point: 11°C
• Solubility in Water: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
• Residue After Ignition: ≤ 0.01% (typical 0.005%)
• Water Content: ≤ 0.5% (typical 0.1%)
• Chloride (Cl): ≤ 20 ppm (typical 5 ppm)
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): ≤ 10 ppm (typical 2 ppm)
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): ≤ 5 ppm (typical 1 ppm)
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): ≤ 10 ppm (typical 2 ppm)
• Ash/Metals (Total Heavy Metals as Pb): ≤ 0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)

Common Applications

• Degreasing Agent: Industrial cleaning of metal parts in manufacturing, providing rapid solvency for oils, greases, and hydrocarbon residues with controlled evaporation.
• Solvent for Adhesives: Used in the formulation and application of solvent-based adhesives and coatings requiring a volatile carrier with efficient film formation.
• Extraction Solvent: Employed in laboratory-scale extraction and purification protocols to separate organics from aqueous or other organic matrices.
• Intermediate in Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a reaction solvent or reactant intermediate in certain pharmaceutical and specialty chemical pathways.
• Analytical Solvent: Widely used in chromatographic techniques (e.g., GC) as a high-purity solvent for sample preparation and analysis.
• Adjusts Viscosity and Volatility Profiles: Within solvent blends, TCE contributes to desired evaporation rates and solvency for complex formulations.
• OEM Formulations: Integrated into process streams where rapid evaporation with minimal residue is critical for downstream processing.

Safety Precautions

Storage and handling of Trichloroethylene Technical Grade require adherence to standard industrial hygiene practices. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources in compatible containers (HDPE or glass). Ensure containers are tightly closed when not in use to minimize evaporation and contamination. Use appropriate PPE, including chemical-splash goggles, chemically resistant gloves, and protective clothing. Follow storage guidelines to prevent exposure to oxidizing agents and acids, and implement proper ventilation to control vapor concentrations in occupied spaces. In the event of a spill, evacuate the area and follow your company’s spill response procedures alongside local regulatory requirements.

Safety Precautions

The SDS for this product lists a DANGER signal word with hazards including Flammable Liquids (Category 2), Acute Toxicity (Oral) (Category 4), and Specific Target Organ Toxicity — Single Exposure (STOT SE 3). H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; H302: Harmful if swallowed; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. In case of exposure, eyes: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; skin: wash with soap and water; inhalation: move to fresh air; ingestion: do not induce vomiting and seek medical attention. Transport is UN 1710, Trichloroethylene, Class 3, Packing Group II. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet prior to use and implement site-specific risk assessments, including ventilation controls, solvent monitoring, and emergency procedures for fire, exposure, and spills.

Benefits

✔ High Purity and Consistency – ACS/USP-compliant technical grade with stringent trace impurity control and stable heavy metal limits enabling reproducible results in manufacturing and analytical workflows.
✔ Proven Solvent Performance – Effective degreasing, rapid evaporation, and low residue make it suitable for metal cleaning, adhesives formulation, and extraction applications.
✔ Quality Assurance Support – CoA verifies assay, color, specific gravity, and impurity profile using validated methods (e.g., IC, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and ASTM/ACS standards).