Trichloroethylene

Description

Trichloroethylene · CAS 79-01-6 · C2HCl3. UNII 290YE8AR51. Boiling Point: 189 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992); Boiling Point: 87.2 °C; Boiling Point: 87 °C.

Identification

CAS Registry Number	79-01-6
PubChem CID	6575
Molecular formula	C2HCl3
IUPAC name	1,1,2-trichloroethene
UNII (FDA)	290YE8AR51

Computed Descriptors

Molecular Weight	131.38
XLogP3	2.6
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count	0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count	0
Rotatable Bond Count	0
Exact Mass	129.914383
Monoisotopic Mass	129.914383
Topological Polar Surface Area	0
Heavy Atom Count	5
Formal Charge	0

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point	189 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point	87.2 °C
Boiling Point	87 °C
Boiling Point	189 °F
Boiling Point	87.21 °C @760 [mm Hg]
Melting Point	-99 °F (NTP, 1992)
Melting Point	-84.7 °C
Melting Point	-84.8 °C
Melting Point	-86 °C
Melting Point	-99 °F

Physical description & handling notes

• Trichloroethylene appears as a clear colorless volatile liquid having a chloroform-like odor. Denser than water and is slightly soluble in water. Noncombustible. Used as a solvent, fumigant, in the manufacture of other chemicals, and for many other uses.
• Liquid
• Colorless liquid (unless dyed blue) with a chloroform-like odor; [NIOSH]
• COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.
• Colorless liquid (unless dyed blue) with a chloroform-like odor.
• Colorless liquid (unless dyed blue)

Regulatory Status

Regulatory & Food Contact	FDA Substance added to food: SOLVENT OR VEHICLE FDA Inventory of Food Contact Substances Listed in 21 CFR: FCS EXTRACTION_SOLVENT: Food Additives NO ADI ALLOCATED Limited to lowest levels practicable TRS 696-JECFA 27/16

GHS Hazard Classification

Reported hazard statements	H315, H319, H336, H341, H350, H412, H317 (27.8%), H332

Documented Uses

• The main use of trichloroethylene is in the vapor degreasing of metal parts. Trichloroethylene is used in consumer products such as typewriter correction fluids, paint removers/strippers, adhesives, spot removers, and rug-cleaning fluids.
• Used extensively form 1920s through 1970s as a degreaser in metal fabrication, but use declined because of concerns about environmental pollution and cancer; TCE used in about 50% of vapor degreasing in 1970s and about 33% in 1980s. Increased EPA regulations in 1990s further limited its use. Other industries using TCE: dry cleaning, textile, electronics, leather, and rubber; Also used in adhesives, drugs, paints, and inks; [Reference #2]
• Banned in the US in 1977 as a pet food additive, grain fumigant, wound disinfectant, obstetrical anesthetic, and extractant to make decaffeinated coffee; [ATSDR ToxProfile] In US industries, the process use of TCE ended in the mid-1980s; [PMID 24224613]
• Metal Degreasing [Category: Clean]
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]

Synonyms

TRICHLOROETHYLENE; Trichloroethene; 79-01-6; 1,1,2-Trichloroethene; Ethinyl trichloride; 1,1,2-Trichloroethylene; Ethene, trichloro-; Ethylene trichloride; Germalgene; Westrosol; Densinfluat; Narkosoid; Trethylene; Acetylene trichloride; Anamenth; Narcogen

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CAS number and molecular formula of Trichloroethylene?

CAS 79-01-6; molecular formula C2HCl3; molecular weight — g/mol.

What other names is Trichloroethylene known by?

TRICHLOROETHYLENE, Trichloroethene, 79-01-6, 1,1,2-Trichloroethene, Ethinyl trichloride, 1,1,2-Trichloroethylene.

What is the regulatory status of Trichloroethylene?

Documented regulatory listings: FDA Substance added to food: SOLVENT OR VEHICLE; FDA Inventory of Food Contact Substances Listed in 21 CFR: FCS; EXTRACTION_SOLVENT: Food Additives.

Is Trichloroethylene classified as hazardous?

Hazard statements reported: H315, H319, H336, H341, H350.

What are the key physical properties of Trichloroethylene?

Boiling Point: 189 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992); Boiling Point: 87.2 °C; Boiling Point: 87 °C; Boiling Point: 189 °F.

Facts on this page are taken from PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) and Wikidata. Grade-specific data — assay, moisture, particle size, packaging, shelf life — is issued per batch on the COA and is not published here.