Perchloroethylene

C₂Cl₄

IUPAC: Tetrachloroethene

CAS: 127-18-4

Overview

Perchloroethylene (perc) is the dominant solvent in the dry cleaning industry, used by about 85% of dry cleaners. It is being phased down due to health concerns.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Carbon C 2 12.0110
Chlorine Cl 4 35.4500

Elemental Composition

C
Carbon ×2
14.5%
Cl
Chlorine ×4
85.5%

Uses

  • • Dry cleaning
  • • Metal degreasing
  • • Chemical intermediate

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The characteristic smell of dry-cleaned clothes comes from residual perchloroethylene

Safety

  • ⚠ Possible carcinogen
  • ⚠ CNS depressant
  • ⚠ Groundwater contaminant

Structure

SMILES

C(=C(Cl)Cl)(Cl)Cl

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
165.83 g/mol
Density
1.6220 g/cm³
Melting Point
-22.3 °C
Boiling Point
121.1 °C
Solubility
0.15 g/L at 25°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
165.8725
XLogP
3.4
TPSA
0.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
0
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
6
Complexity
55.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perchloroethylene?
Perchloroethylene (C₂Cl₄) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Tetrachloroethene.
What is the molecular weight of Perchloroethylene?
Perchloroethylene has a molar mass of 165.83 g/mol.
What state is Perchloroethylene at room temperature?
Perchloroethylene is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Perchloroethylene organic or inorganic?
Perchloroethylene is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Perchloroethylene?
Perchloroethylene (C₂Cl₄) is composed of Carbon (C), Chlorine (Cl).