Trichloroethylene

Buy Trichloroethylene (TCE) Online

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2HCl3. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet odor and is widely used as an industrial solvent. Trichloroethylene is an important chemical in various sectors, including manufacturing, cleaning, and degreasing. However, it is also associated with environmental and health concerns.

Key Properties of Trichloroethylene:

• Chemical Formula: C2HCl3
• Molecular Weight: 131.39 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 87.3°C (189.1°F)
• Melting Point: -73.5°C (-100.3°F)
• Density: 1.462 g/cm³ at 20°C
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, highly soluble in organic solvents like ethanol, ether, and acetone.
• Appearance: Colorless liquid with a sweet odor.
• Vapor Pressure: 67 mmHg at 25°C, which makes it quite volatile at room temperature.

Uses and Applications:

1. Industrial Solvent:
   Trichloroethylene dissolves greases, oils, resins, waxes, and many other organic compounds in various industrial applications.
2. It often serves as a degreaser for metals in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, cleaning metal parts and machinery components before assembly or further processing.
3. Cleaning and Degreasing:
   TCE cleans mechanical parts, electronic components, and equipment in industrial settings. Though environmental concerns have reduced its use, certain sectors still rely on it for efficient oil and grease removal.
4. Chemical Intermediate:
   TCE helps produce chemicals like hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants (HFC-134a) and is involved in manufacturing plastics and other chemical products.
5. Extraction and Purification:
   In the pharmaceutical industry, TCE extracts active ingredients from plants and raw materials and purifies substances in laboratory processes.
6. Anaesthetics:
   Historically, TCE served as a volatile anesthetic in medical settings, but safer alternatives have replaced it due to its toxicity.
7. Production of Hydrochloric Acid:
   TCE serves as a raw material for producing hydrochloric acid (HCl) and vinyl chloride.

Health and Environmental Concerns:

1. Health Hazards:

   • Toxicity: TCE is considered a toxic substance, and prolonged exposure to high levels can lead to a range of health problems. Short-term exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
   • Chronic Exposure: Long-term exposure to trichloroethylene has been associated with more severe health effects, including liver damage, kidney damage, central nervous system depression, and cardiovascular effects. It has also been linked to cancer, particularly kidney cancer and liver cancer, and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
   • Pregnancy Risks: There is evidence suggesting that exposure to TCE during pregnancy may lead to developmental issues and other reproductive health problems.

2. Environmental Impact:

   • Soil and Water Contamination: Trichloroethylene is persistent in the environment and can contaminate soil and water if improperly disposed of. It is difficult to degrade and can remain in the environment for extended periods, which poses a risk to ecosystems and human health.
   • Groundwater Contamination: TCE can leach into groundwater, which may lead to the contamination of drinking water supplies, particularly in areas near industrial sites. This has led to concerns about water safety and pollution.

3. Volatility and Air Pollution:

   • Trichloroethylene is a volatile organic compound (VOC), which means it can easily evaporate into the air and contribute to air pollution. VOCs can have adverse effects on human health, contributing to respiratory problems, headaches, and dizziness, as well as affecting the environment by contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog.

Regulatory Measures and Safety:

Due to its toxic nature, the use of trichloroethylene is heavily regulated in many countries. Regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States have set limits on the concentration of TCE in air, water, and soil to minimize its harmful effects.

1. Occupational Safety:

   • Workers using trichloroethylene must take precautions to minimize exposure. Proper ventilation, protective clothing, and PPE (gloves, goggles, and respirators) are essential. Employers must monitor air quality and keep exposure levels below permissible limits, as outlined by safety standards like OSHA guidelines.

2. Waste Disposal:

   • Dispose of trichloroethylene (TCE) in accordance with environmental regulations. Never release it into the environment or pour it down drains. It is crucial to properly collect, store, and treat TCE waste to prevent contamination of soil and water sources.

3. Alternatives:

   • Due to the health and environmental concerns, industries have increasingly moved towards safer alternatives to TCE for cleaning, degreasing, and other applications. Solvents such as perchloroethylene or non-chlorinated solvents are now often used in place of TCE.

Conclusion: