CAS 79-01-6 · Chlorinated Solvent
Trichloroethylene
TCE / Trichloroethene · C₂HCl₃ · MW 131.39 g/mol
Trichloroethylene is a dense, non-flammable chlorinated solvent with outstanding solvency for oils, greases, waxes, and resins. Its high boiling point relative to methylene chloride and excellent vapor pressure characteristics make it the preferred solvent for industrial vapor degreasing systems. Texas-Chem supplies TCE in industrial, technical, ACS, and vapor degreasing grades in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
C₂HCl₃
Boiling Point
87.2 °C
Solubility
Slightly water-miscible
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Carbon–carbon double bond with one H and one Cl on the left carbon; two Cl atoms on the right carbon
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 100 ppm (C: 200 ppm)
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- 10 ppm
- IDLH
- 1,000 ppm
- DOT Hazard Class
- 6.1 — Toxic Liquid
- UN Number
- UN 1710
- Packing Group
- III
SDS available upon request. Consult current OSHA and EPA regulations for workplace exposure and environmental requirements.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₂HCl₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 131.39 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 79-01-6 |
| Boiling Point | 87.2 °C (189.0 °F) |
| Melting Point | −84.7 °C (−120.5 °F) |
| Flash Point | None (non-flammable) |
| Density | 1.464 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 7.8 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | 1.28 g/L at 25 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.4773 at 20 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | 420 °C (788 °F) |
| Explosive Limits | 8% – 10.5% (v/v in air) |
Industrial Applications
Vapor Degreasing
The benchmark solvent for vapor degreasing of precision metal parts, aerospace components, and electronic assemblies. TCE's high density, low surface tension, and non-flammability make it ideal for removing oils, greases, waxes, and flux residues in open-top and in-line vapor degreasing systems.
Metal Cleaning & Surface Prep
Cold cleaning and immersion degreasing of machined parts, stampings, and castings prior to plating, painting, or welding. Leaves no residue and evaporates cleanly without water rinsing.
Adhesives & Rubber
Solvent carrier and viscosity modifier in neoprene and chloroprene contact cements, rubber-to-metal bonding adhesives, and specialty sealants. Provides fast dry times and strong initial tack.
Chemical Intermediate
Feedstock for the production of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants (HFC-134a, HFC-125) and other chlorinated chemical intermediates in industrial synthesis.
Textile Processing
Dry-cleaning and scouring solvent for wool, synthetic fibers, and specialty fabrics. Removes oils, waxes, and sizing agents without shrinkage or fiber damage.
Extraction & Pharmaceutical
Extraction solvent for natural fats, oils, waxes, and pharmaceutical intermediates. ACS-grade TCE is used in laboratory extractions and analytical procedures requiring a dense, immiscible chlorinated solvent.
Why Source TCE from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying chlorinated solvents to Texas manufacturers and processors
- Industrial, technical, ACS reagent, and vapor degreasing grades available
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker delivery
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities