CAS 127-18-4 · Chlorinated Solvent · Non-Flammable
Perchloroethylene
PERC / Tetrachloroethylene / PCE · C₂Cl₄ · MW 165.83 g/mol
Perchloroethylene (PERC, PCE) is a dense, non-flammable chlorinated solvent with outstanding solvency for oils, greases, waxes, and organic residues. Its non-flammability, high boiling point, and chemical stability have made it the industry standard for dry cleaning and vapor degreasing for over a century. Texas-Chem supplies PERC in dry cleaning, industrial, ACS reagent, and HPLC grades in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
C₂Cl₄
Boiling Point
121.1 °C (250 °F)
Flash Point
None — non-flammable
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Symmetrical tetrachloroethylene — four chlorine atoms on a C=C double bond
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 0 — Will not burn
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 100 ppm (8-hr TWA)
- OSHA PEL (STEL)
- 200 ppm (5-min peak)
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- 25 ppm
- NIOSH REL
- Minimize exposure — potential carcinogen
- DOT Hazard Class
- 6.1 — Toxic
- UN Number
- UN 1897
- Packing Group
- III
SDS available upon request. PERC is classified as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A, IARC). Use only in well-ventilated areas or with local exhaust ventilation. Comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-2 exposure limits and applicable EPA NESHAP regulations for dry cleaning and degreasing operations.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₂Cl₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 165.83 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 127-18-4 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Boiling Point | 121.1 °C (250 °F) |
| Melting Point | −22.3 °C (−8.1 °F) |
| Flash Point | None — non-flammable |
| Density | 1.623 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 18.9 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | 0.15 g/100 mL at 25 °C (slightly soluble) |
| Refractive Index | 1.5053 at 20 °C |
| Odor | Sweet, ether-like, characteristic chlorinated odor |
Industrial Applications
Dry Cleaning & Textile Processing
Perchloroethylene (PERC) has been the dominant dry cleaning solvent for decades due to its excellent grease and oil solvency, non-flammability, and fast drying characteristics. Dry cleaning grade PERC dissolves fats, oils, waxes, and greases from fabrics without damaging fibers, and is recovered and recycled in closed-loop dry cleaning machines to minimize emissions and waste.
Metal Degreasing & Parts Cleaning
Industrial-grade PERC is widely used for vapor degreasing and cold cleaning of metal parts, precision components, and assemblies in aerospace, automotive, and electronics manufacturing. Its high solvency for cutting oils, lubricants, and machining fluids, combined with non-flammability, makes it preferred in facilities where fire risk must be minimized.
Chemical Intermediate & Synthesis
Serves as a key feedstock in the production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), particularly HFC-134a refrigerant. Also used as an intermediate in the synthesis of trichloroacetic acid, chlorinated solvents, and specialty fluorinated compounds for the refrigerant and specialty chemical industries.
Aerosol & Specialty Formulations
Component in aerosol brake cleaners, carburetor cleaners, electrical contact cleaners, and industrial degreasers. PERC's non-flammability is a critical safety advantage in aerosol formulations used near ignition sources. Also used in specialty coatings, adhesive removers, and paint strippers where chlorinated solvency is required.
Rubber & Silicone Processing
Solvent for natural and synthetic rubber compounding, silicone processing, and elastomer cleaning. PERC dissolves rubber adhesives, silicone oils, and elastomer residues effectively, making it useful in gasket manufacturing, rubber-to-metal bonding operations, and mold release cleaning in rubber fabrication facilities.
Laboratory & Analytical Chemistry
ACS and HPLC-grade PERC is used as a solvent in infrared (IR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography (GC), and extraction procedures. Its transparency in the mid-IR region and chemical inertness make it valuable for sample preparation and spectroscopic analysis in analytical and research laboratories.
Why Source PERC from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying chlorinated solvents to Texas dry cleaners and industrial manufacturers
- Dry cleaning, industrial, ACS reagent, and HPLC grades available
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker delivery
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support, SDS documentation, and regulatory guidance with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities