Trichloroethylene
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Trichloroethylene , also known as trichloroethene is an organic compound, a haloalkene with the chemical formula ClCHCCl2.
Contents
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. Make sure you perform the neutralization outside, as samll amounts of solvent will evaporate and may fill the surrounding air.