Trichloroethylene (TCE)

What is Trichloroethylene?

Trichloroethylene, also known as Trichloroethylene (TCE), is a haloalkane compound with the chemical formula C2HCl3.

• It is a colorless, odorless, and stable liquid.
• It is preferred in many industries due to its strong solvent properties.
• Used as a solvent in paints, varnishes, and coatings; as a cleaner in the metalworking industry; as an intermediate in the chemical industry; and also in dry cleaning processes.
• Due to the risks it poses to human health and the environment, its use is restricted or prohibited in many countries.

Trichloroethylene Properties

In Which Industries Is Trichloroethylene Used?

• Paint and Coating Industry
  • Used as a thinner for paints and varnishes.
  • It acts as a solvent in coating products.
• Metal Processing Industry
  • Used for cleaning the surfaces of metal parts.
  • It is preferred as a grease and dirt remover.
• Chemical Industry
  • It acts as an intermediate in organic synthesis.
  • It is used as a solvent in resin and polymer production.
• Dry Cleaning Industry
  • It is commonly used in dry cleaning processes for fabrics and textile products.

Note: Due to environmental and health risks, many countries are switching to alternative solvents.

How is Trichloroethylene Produced?

Trichloroethylene production is achieved through the chlorination reaction of ethylene:

1. Chlorination Reaction
   • Chlorine (Cl₂) gas is reacted with ethylene (C₂H₄) gas.
   • The double bond of ethylene is broken and chlorine atoms bond to form trichloroethylene (C2HCl3).
2. Separation of By-Products
   • Various chlorinated hydrocarbon byproducts may also form during the reaction.
   • These by-products are separated and purified.
3. Purification
   • In the final stage, pure TCE is obtained through distillation and chemical purification methods.

This process is carried out on an industrial scale under high temperature and pressure. Due to the environmental and health risks of by-products, production is strictly controlled.