Trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene , also known as trichloroethene is an organic compound, a haloalkene with the chemical formula ClCHCCl₂.

Properties

Chemical

Trichloroethylene is unstable in the presence of a metal over prolonged exposure.

Physical

Trichloroethylene is a clear non-flammable liquid with a sweet smell. It melts at −73 °C and boils at 87.2 °C.

Availability

Trichloroethylene is sold by some chemical suppliers.

Preparation

Trichloroethylene can be synthesized by chlorinating ethylene over a ferric chloride catalyst to produce 1,2-dichloroethane, which is heated to 400 °C with additional chlorine, to yield trichloroethylene.

CH₂=CH₂ + Cl₂ → ClCH₂CH₂Cl

ClCH₂CH₂Cl + 2 Cl₂ → ClCH=CCl₂ + 3 HCl

Projects

• Extract caffeine
• Make chloroacetic acid

Handling

Safety

Trichloroethylene is toxic if inhaled in large quantities.

Storage

In closed bottles, in dark well ventilated areas, away from metals.

Disposal

Can be neutralized with sodium hydroxide or destroyed with Fenton's reagent.