Perchloroethylene, also known as Tetrachloroethylene or PCE, is a clear, colorless chlorinated solvent used in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, leather processing, coatings, ink-removal applications, and selected refinery or catalytic processes. Its low flammability, chemical stability, solvency, and volatility make it relevant where controlled cleaning, dissolution, or process-solvent performance is required.
For industrial buyers, sourcing PCE is more than a product-and-price decision. Grade selection, application suitability, vapor-management controls, packaging integrity, technical documentation, destination requirements, and delivery planning should all be confirmed before shipment, since incorrect grade selection or inadequate handling arrangements can affect process performance, worker safety, environmental controls, and operational continuity.
OGSCM supports Perchloroethylene procurement through specification alignment, packaging coordination, documentation readiness, and cross-border delivery support across GCC and MENA markets.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Technical Item | Available Information |
| Product Name | Perchloroethylene |
| Common Abbreviations | PCE, PERC |
| Chemical Formula | C₂Cl₄ |
| CAS Number | 127-18-4 |
| Chemical Type | Chlorinated organic solvent |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Molar Mass | 165.82 g/mol |
| Density | 1.622 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity | 0.89 cP at 25°C |
| Melting Point | −22.0 to −22.7°C |
| Boiling Point | 121.1°C |
| Other Names | Tetrachloroethylene, Tetrachloroethene |
| General Characteristics | Stable, volatile, low-flammability solvent |
| Available Grades | Dry-cleaning grade, steam grade, refinery/catalytic grade |
| Packaging | 330 kg barrels |
| Documentation | COA and SDS/MSDS availability to be confirmed during RFQ |
The required grade, purity, water content, stabilization requirement, and end-use suitability should be confirmed for the actual offered material. PCE should not be assumed suitable for food, pharmaceutical, medical, consumer, or regulated uses without explicit technical and regulatory confirmation.
PCE is widely associated with dry-cleaning applications because of its ability to dissolve oils, greases, and certain organic contaminants without using water. In this setting, its operational role is to support controlled textile-cleaning processes. The appropriate dry-cleaning grade, equipment compatibility, ventilation, solvent-recovery system, and waste management should be confirmed before supply.
PCE can be used to degrease metal parts and prepare compatible surfaces before assembly, coating, machining, or further treatment. Its rapid solvent action can support removal of oils and residues in controlled industrial cleaning systems. Because vapors may form during use, operators should ensure that cleaning equipment, ventilation, worker protection, and solvent-recovery procedures are appropriate.
In leather processing and selected industrial formulations, PCE may be used as a solvent where controlled dissolution or cleaning properties are required. Its suitability depends on the material system, processing method, and technical specification. Buyers should confirm compatibility with the intended process before procurement.
PCE may be used in certain paint, coating, ink, or residue-removal processes. Its role is linked to solvent action and process cleaning, but regulatory restrictions may apply depending on the destination, workplace use, and application. Any use in formulation or removal systems should be reviewed against the applicable regulatory requirements and site safety procedures.
PCE may be used in selected surface-cleaning, coating-preparation, or polishing-related operations. Technical suitability should be confirmed against the substrate, cleaning method, and plant controls.
Certain refinery or catalytic grades may be used in specialized process applications where chloride-related catalyst management is required. These applications are highly process-specific and should only be carried out under the refinery's approved technical procedures. PCE itself should not be described as a sulfiding agent or as a product that decomposes to hydrogen sulfide. Any catalyst activation or chloride management use must be confirmed against the actual process design and product grade.