tetrachloretilén

Tetrachlorethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or PCE, is a chlorinated hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2Cl4. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet odor. Tetrachlorethylene is non-flammable and is miscible with most organic solvents but poorly soluble in water.

Historically, tetrachlorethylene has been widely used as a solvent, particularly in dry cleaning. Its effectiveness in dissolving grease and oils, combined with its non-flammable nature, made it a popular choice for textile cleaning. It has also been employed as a degreasing agent for metals and in the manufacture of refrigerants and other chemicals.

However, concerns regarding its toxicity and environmental impact have led to a decline in its use. Tetrachlorethylene is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Exposure can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, and it can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Chronic exposure has been linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as neurological effects.

Due to these health and environmental risks, many countries have implemented regulations to limit or phase out the use of tetrachlorethylene. Safer alternatives are increasingly being adopted in the dry cleaning and metal degreasing industries. Despite these efforts, tetrachlorethylene can still be found as a contaminant in groundwater and soil, posing ongoing environmental challenges.