Perchloroethylene Dry Cleaning Machine Solvent/Chemical

PERC, also known as Perchloroethylene or Tetrachloroethylene, is a man-made chemical used mainly in dry cleaning, fabric spot removers, adhesives, metal degreasing and manufacturing. It is a non-flammable, colourless liquid at room temperature that easily evaporates into the air. PERC has an odour that many people associate with dry cleaning.

Tetrachloroethylene is also known as ethylene tetrachloride, PCE, perc, perchlor, perchlorethylene, perchloroethylene, perk, tetrachloroethene, tetrachlorethylene, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethylene.

Cleaning professionals know that this is one of the most effective spot cleaners available.

Chemical Properties

Chemical formula: C2Cl4

Molar mass: 165.82 g·mol−1

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid

Odor: mild, chloroform-like[1]

Density: 1.622 g/cm3

Melting point:  −19 °C (−2 °F; 254 K)

Boiling point: 121.1 °C (250.0 °F; 394.2 K)

Solubility in water: 0.15 g/L (25 °C)

Vapor pressure: 14 mmHg (20°C)[1]

Magnetic susceptibility (χ): -81.6·10−6 cm3/mol

Viscosity: 0.89 cP at 25 °C