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Tetrachloroethylene
Also known as: TETRACHLOROETHYLENE · Tetrachloroethene · 127-18-4 · Perchloroethylene
- CAS No.
- 127-18-4
- Formula
- C2Cl4
- Molar mass
- 165.8 g/mol
- PubChem CID
- 31373
Corrosive
Harmful / Irritant
Health hazard
Environmental hazard
Summary
Tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4), CAS 127-18-4. Common in labs and industry. Read on for hazards, storage, PPE and mixing rules.
Background
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Physical properties
Sourced from PubChem Experimental Properties. Values may vary between sources and conditions.
Hazards
Attacks skin, eyes and materials.
May cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation.
Serious long-term health effects (CMR, respiratory sensitizer).
Toxic to aquatic organisms.
Hazard statements
- H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]
- H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]
- H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]
- H317
- H319
- H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure
- H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
- H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]
- H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]
- H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]
- H362: May cause harm to breast-fed children [Reproductive toxicity, effects on or via lactation]
- H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]
- H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]
- H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]
- H305: May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways [Warning Aspiration hazard]
- H313: May be harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]
Storage
Keep at room temperature, below 30 °C, out of direct heat.
Store somewhere well-ventilated and away from any ignition source.
Metal drums or tinted glass, tightly sealed.
Strong acids, strong bases and powerful oxidizers.
Personal protective equipment
Nitrile or butyl, at least 0.4 mm thick.
Safety goggles with side shields.
A2 organic-vapor cartridge if the room isn't well ventilated.
Occupational exposure limits (HSE)
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EU harmonised classification (ECHA C&L)
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Transport
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FDA recalls & enforcement
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Compatibilities
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Open comparator with TetrachloroethylenePractical safety notes
- Corrosive. Wear chemical goggles, faceshield and chemical-resistant gloves. Have an eyewash within reach.
- Irritant / harmful. Ventilate the workspace and avoid skin contact.
- Serious health hazard (carcinogen, mutagen, reprotoxic, respiratory sensitizer). Substitute if possible; otherwise closed systems and medical surveillance.
- Environmental hazard. Do not release to sewers or waterways; collect for hazardous waste disposal.
Derived from the GHS classification shown above. These notes are generic guidance and do not replace the manufacturer's SDS or your local risk assessment.
FAQ
Is Tetrachloroethylene flammable?+
Tetrachloroethylene (CAS 127-18-4) does not carry the GHS02 flame pictogram in our records. Always confirm with the manufacturer's SDS section 9 (flash point) before assuming a product is non-flammable.
What PPE should I wear when handling Tetrachloroethylene?+
Chemical-splash goggles and a faceshield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl) and an apron are the minimum. Work inside a fume hood or use a suitable respirator. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.
How should Tetrachloroethylene be stored?+
Store Tetrachloroethylene (CAS 127-18-4) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Segregate acids from bases and keep away from metals that can be attacked.
Is Tetrachloroethylene dangerous for the environment?+
Yes. Tetrachloroethylene carries the GHS09 environment pictogram. Do not release to drains, soil or waterways; collect residues for hazardous-waste disposal in line with local regulations.
Where can I find the official Safety Data Sheet for Tetrachloroethylene?+
Official, up-to-date SDS documents are published by each manufacturer (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck, Thermo Fisher, VWR, Carl Roth, etc.) and by regulators such as ECHA and NIOSH. This page is an educational summary and does not replace the manufacturer's SDS.
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