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• Tetrachloroethylene, also known under its systematic name tetrachloroethene and as perchloroethylene, perchloroethene, perc, and PCE, is a chloro carbon with the formula Cl2C=CCl2.
• It is a colorless liquid widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics, hence it is sometimes called "dry-cleaning fluid."

Process

• Perchloroethylene is produced domestically by three processes.
• Two of the processes involve the chlorination and oxy chlorination of ethylene dichloride or other chlorinated hydrocarbons having two carbon atoms.
• Perchloroethylene and TCE are manufactured separately or as co products by the chlorination oroxychlorination process with the raw material ratios determining the proportions of PCE and TCE.

Report

• The effects of tetrachloroethylene on human health come from cases of accidental or occupational exposures.
• High exposures primarily affect the central nervous system although liver and kidney effects have also been reported.

Application

• Most tetrachloroethylene is consumed as a solvent used in dry cleaning.
• It is desirable because it dissolves many organic materials, it is volatile, highly stable, and nonflammable.
• Usually as a mixture with other chlorocarbons, it is also used to degrease metal parts in the automotive and other metalworking industries.
• It appears in a few consumer products including paint strippers and spot removers.