Product Overview
Trichloroethylene (TCE) Technical Grade is a stable, colorless liquid characterized by its high density and volatile nature. As a chlorinated hydrocarbon — molecular formula C2HCl3, molecular weight 131.38 — this solvent is widely utilized across heavy industrial sectors due to its strong solvency power for organic materials. Our technical grade trichloroethylene is manufactured to meet demanding industrial specifications, ensuring consistent performance in vapor degreasing, cold cleaning, and chemical synthesis. We supply this product to manufacturing facilities, metal fabrication shops, and chemical processing plants requiring a reliable solvent for extraction and cleaning operations.
This halogenated solvent features a specific gravity of approximately 1.46, making it denser than water. It is highly volatile, evaporating quickly to leave surfaces clean and free of residues. While it remains noncombustible under normal ambient conditions, proper ventilation and containment are essential when handling this chemical. Alliance Chemical distributes this solvent in multiple packaging configurations, ranging from quart cans to bulk quantities, ensuring that your facility receives the exact volume required for your operational processes.
Why This Grade
Choosing the correct grade of trichloroethylene is critical for process efficiency and equipment longevity. Technical Grade TCE is specifically formulated for industrial applications where minor trace impurities do not interfere with the chemical's primary function as a heavy-duty solvent or chemical intermediate. Unlike high-purity electronic or analytical reagent grades, which carry significant cost premiums for removing ultra-trace moisture and metals, our Technical Grade provides a balanced, cost-effective solution for industrial vapor degreasing and surface preparation. It delivers the aggressive cleaning action required to dissolve heavy oils, greases, waxes, and tars without unnecessary purification costs.
Utilizing an improper grade or concentration in vapor degreasing can lead to severe operational failures. For instance, using a grade with inappropriate stabilizer packages can result in the chemical decomposing into acidic byproducts under continuous heating. This decomposition causes rapid corrosion of metal degreaser tanks and processed components, leading to expensive equipment downtime and component rejection. Furthermore, failing to match the specific solvent tolerance required for your process can result in incomplete soil removal, compromised adhesive bonding, or paint adhesion failures on subsequent manufacturing lines. Our technical grade ensures the necessary stability for demanding thermal cycles.
Chemical Profile
- CAS Number
- 79-01-6
- Chemical Formula
- C2HCl3
- Molecular Weight
- 131.38 g/mol
- Boiling Point
- 189 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
- Melting Point
- -99 °F (NTP, 1992)
- Flash Point
- greater than 200 °F (NTP, 1992)
- Specific Gravity
- 1.46 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
- Appearance
- Trichloroethylene appears as a clear colorless volatile liquid having a chloroform-like odor. Denser than water and is slightly soluble in water. Noncombustible. Used as a solvent, fumigant, in the manufacture of other chemicals, and for many other uses.
- Solubility
- less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
- UN Number
- UN1710
- Hazard Class
- Class 6.1
- Packing Group
- III
- Proper Shipping Name
- TRICHLOROETHYLENE
- GHS Signal Word
- Danger
Values sourced from Alliance Chemical's canonical chemistry registry. Certificate of Analysis (COA) per lot.
Industrial Applications
- Vapor degreasing of structural steel and machined metal parts to remove heavy lubricants prior to electroplating or painting.
- Extraction solvent for organic fats, oils, and waxes in specialized industrial processing facilities where high solvency is required.
- Chemical intermediate in the production of fluorocarbon refrigerants and other chlorinated organic compounds within chemical manufacturing plants.
- Carrier solvent in industrial adhesives, sealants, and coating formulations to control viscosity and evaporation rates during application.
- Cold cleaning agent for heavy machinery maintenance, asphalt testing laboratories, and textile spot removal in commercial industrial settings.
Hazmat & Shipping
Trichloroethylene is a highly regulated material classified as a hazardous substance for transport. It is officially shipped under the designation UN1710, Hazard Class 6.1, Packing Group III. The proper shipping name is TRICHLOROETHYLENE. This chemical carries the GHS Signal Word of Danger due to its toxicological profile, including potential health hazards associated with inhalation and skin absorption. GHS pictograms for this substance are not applicable as a standalone entry under this product's specific canonical transport profile, though standard hazard communication labels must be displayed during shipping.
Compliance with safety regulations requires strict adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines based on the designated hazard codes. Standard operating procedures dictate the use of chemical-resistant gloves, splash-goggles, and respiratory protection equipped with organic vapor cartridges to prevent exposure to volatile fumes. Proper ventilation systems must be active to maintain exposure levels well below regulatory thresholds. We ensure all hazardous shipments comply fully with DOT regulations, and a comprehensive Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided with every order to support your facility's safety program.
Handling & Storage
Trichloroethylene must be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent thermal degradation and vapor buildup. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. Compatible storage materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, and Teflon linings, while aluminum, magnesium, and strong bases are highly incompatible and can cause hazardous reactions. The optimal storage temperature range is between 50°F and 85°F. For detailed safety and handling protocols, consult the official SDS and review your internal compliance procedures.
Order & Documentation
Alliance Chemical provides comprehensive technical support and documentation for all chemical shipments. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request to verify the quality and specifications of your lot. You can purchase this solvent directly via our trichloroethylene product page. To secure your supply or discuss bulk logistics, please Request a Quote or Download the SDS. You can also browse our full range of industrial cleaners in our solvents collection.
Why Buy from Alliance Chemical
Since 1997, Alliance Chemical has supplied premium industrial chemicals from Taylor, Texas under CAGE Code 1LT50, with a COA and SDS included on every order. For industrial use only.
