Section 1.1. What Is Tetrachloroethylene?

After completing this section, you will be able to

• define tetrachloroethylene and
• describe uses of tetrachloroethylene

• Tetrachloroethylene is a synthetic chemical.
• It is a clear, colorless, nonflammable liquid with a sweet odor and a low aqueous solubility.
• It is volatile and readily evaporates at room temperature.

Figure 1. Chemical structure of tetrachloroethylene – https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/a?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+124

A recent evaluation of end-use pattern for tetrachloroethylene [ATSDR 2015] estimated the following frequencies of use:

• Chemical intermediates — 60%
• Dry cleaning and textile processing — 18%
• Metal degreasing — 18%
• Oil refining catalyst regeneration — 2%
• Miscellaneous uses including consumer products— 2%

Other uses for tetrachloroethylene [EPA 2005] include

• an intermediate in the synthesis of fluorocarbons,
• an insulating/cooling fluid in electric transformers,
• a component in typewriter correction fluids,
• a veterinary medication against worms, and
• a grain protectant and fumigant.

Chemical synonyms for tetrachloroethylene include

• tetrachloroethene,
• perchloroethylene,
• 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethylene, and
• ethylene tetrachloride.

Other commonly used names are

• PCE,
• perc,
• perchlor, and
• perclene.

Tetrachloroethylene is a synthetic chemical that is widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics and for metal degreasing, as well as in some consumer products.