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Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a clear, colorless chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent with excellent degreasing and extraction properties. With its molecular formula C₂HCl₃ and molecular weight of 131.39 g/mol, this versatile industrial chemical offers superior dissolving power for oils, greases, and organic compounds. Its low water solubility (0.1 g/100 mL) and distinctive sweet, chloroform-like odor make it easily identifiable in industrial applications.
Key Applications
Metal Degreasing: Effectively removes oils, greases, and contaminants from metal surfaces in manufacturing and maintenance operations
Industrial Solvent: Used in paint removal, adhesive formulations, and as a processing aid in various chemical manufacturing processes
Laboratory Extraction: Serves as an extraction solvent for organic compounds in analytical and research applications
Chemical Intermediate: Acts as a precursor in the synthesis of other specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds
Safety & Handling
Trichloroethylene requires careful handling due to its toxicological properties. While it has no flash point under normal conditions, it has an autoignition temperature of 410°C. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation, as TCE has a vapor density of 4.53 times that of air and can accumulate in low-lying areas.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store trichloroethylene in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and incompatible materials. The chemical should be kept in its original container and protected from light. Avoid contact with strong bases, active metals, and strong oxidizing agents. Maintain storage temperatures between the melting point of -86.4°C and boiling point of 87.2°C for optimal stability.
Why Alliance Chemical
Alliance Chemical delivers high-quality Trichloroethylene Tce with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS, LTL, and FTL to meet your delivery requirements. Every order includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure compliance and quality assurance for your operations.
Shipping & Availability
Parcel Shipping
UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.
LTL Freight
5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.
Full Truckload
FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.
Local Pickup
Will-call pickup available at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.
SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Most orders ship in 1-2 business days from Taylor, TX
Buy Trichloroethylene by State
Select your state for local shipping times, industry applications, and ordering details.
What is trichloroethylene (TCE) and what is it used for?
Trichloroethylene (TCE, CAS 79-01-6, formula C2HCl3) is a colorless, volatile chlorinated solvent used industrially for metal degreasing, precision cleaning, laboratory solvent work and as a chemical intermediate. Many uses have been reduced or regulated because of health and environmental concerns, so current applications focus on closed industrial or laboratory processes.
How should trichloroethylene be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store TCE in its tightly closed original container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources and incompatible materials; protect from direct sunlight. Shelf life depends on grade and stabilizers but is commonly 12–24 months—always verify the supplier’s Certificate of Analysis (COA) for lot-specific expiry information.
What are the main safety and handling precautions for trichloroethylene?
TCE is a hazardous chemical (IARC classified as carcinogenic to humans) and can cause harmful inhalation and skin exposure; handle only with appropriate engineering controls, local exhaust ventilation and personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, respirator as needed). Avoid heating or welding containers, control vapor accumulation (heavier-than-air), and follow the supplier Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and local regulations for spills and disposal.
How do different concentrations or grades of TCE differ and which should I choose?
TCE is supplied in various grades (technical, reagent, stabilized) and purities (typically technical ~95% and reagent 99%+); stabilized grades contain inhibitors (e.g., amine or alcohol stabilizers) to reduce decomposition. Select the grade based on application requirements—use high-purity, low-impurity grades for analytical or semiconductor work and stabilized grades for long-term storage or industrial degreasing.
What documentation is provided when purchasing trichloroethylene?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS); transport documentation and regulatory compliance info (REACH, RoHS, etc.) can be supplied on request. Keep these documents accessible for regulatory, safety and quality-control purposes.
How is trichloroethylene shipped and what packaging options are available?
TCE is transported as a regulated hazardous liquid and is shipped in UN-approved packaging such as steel drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or tanker trucks, with small-volume bottles available for laboratory use. Carriers require proper labeling, SDS inclusion and compliance with regional transport regulations—confirm permitted packaging and documentation with your supplier and carrier.
Is trichloroethylene compatible with common materials and what container materials should be used?
TCE is generally compatible with stainless steel, glass and PTFE, but it can swell or degrade many elastomers and plastics (for example natural rubber, neoprene, PVC, polystyrene and some polycarbonates). Use metal or PTFE-lined equipment and chemical-resistant seals and gaskets designed for chlorinated solvents to avoid leaks and material failure.
What are the typical technical specifications for trichloroethylene?
Typical specifications include CAS 79-01-6, formula C2HCl3, a clear colorless liquid with a boiling point around 86–87 °C and a density of approximately 1.46 g/cm3 at 20 °C; purity options commonly range from technical (~95%) to reagent grade (≥99%). For exact lot data, consult the supplier’s COA and Technical Data Sheet.
Which industries and applications commonly use trichloroethylene today?
Current uses include industrial metal degreasing and precision cleaning, certain laboratory solvent applications, and as a chemical intermediate; electronics and aerospace industries historically used TCE for precision cleaning. Note that many sectors have restricted or substituted TCE due to regulatory and health concerns, so availability for specific applications may be limited.
How can I purchase trichloroethylene and is it readily available?
TCE is available from chemical distributors in a range of grades and package sizes, but purchases typically require a business account and compliance with local hazardous chemical regulations. Availability and lead times vary by region and regulatory status, so request SDS/COA from the supplier and confirm any purchase restrictions or documentation requirements before ordering.
