Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene)

Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) Definition

• Tetrachloroethylene, also known as Perchloroethylene (PCE), is a colorless, volatile, nonflammable liquid with a mild, sweet odor.
• It is an organochlorine compound with the chemical formula C₂Cl₄. This compound is primarily used as a solvent in dry cleaning and for degreasing metals.

Structure:

1. Chemical Formula: C₂Cl₄
2. Molecular Structure: Consists of two carbon atoms bonded by a double bond, each carbon atom bonded to two chlorine atoms.
3. Bonding: Each carbon is sp² hybridized, resulting in a planar structure.
4. Geometry: Trigonal planar around each carbon.

Uses:

1. Dry Cleaning: Widely used as a solvent in dry cleaning for fabrics.
2. Degreasing: Used for degreasing metal parts in the automotive and metalworking industries.
3. Chemical Synthesis: Acts as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals like refrigerants and fluorinated compounds.

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