Perchloroethylene Tetrachloroethylene · PCE · Perc
The chlorinated C2 solvent and chemical intermediate, supplied to industrial buyers for uses that US rules permit. A close relative of hexachloroethane and the chlorinated feedstock family built on ethylene.
Chelora Chemicals quotes perchloroethylene to industrial customers in the United States after confirming end use, with a batch COA and SDS on every consignment. We do not supply consumer or prohibited uses.
- CAS Number
- 127-18-4
- EC Number
- 204-825-9
- IUPAC name
- Tetrachloroethene
- Molecular formula
- C₂Cl₄
- Molecular weight
- 165.83 g/mol
- Boiling point
- ≈ 121 °C
- UN Number
- UN 1897
- HS Code
- 2903 23
Note: PCE is regulated in the US under TSCA. Many uses are restricted or prohibited, so we confirm end use before quoting. Confirm exact transport classification with your regulatory affairs team.
From ethylene to chlorinated intermediates
Perchloroethylene sits in the chlorinated C2 family. Each neighbouring product below is on this site.
Related chlorinated products: vinyl chloride monomer · monochlorobenzene · ortho dichlorobenzene
What perchloroethylene is used for
Perchloroethylene (PCE, perc, tetrachloroethylene) is a dense, colourless, non-flammable chlorinated liquid with a sweet, ether-like odour. Its formula is C₂Cl₄ and its CAS number is 127-18-4. Industrially it is used as a solvent and as a chemical intermediate, notably in the production of fluorinated compounds.
PCE is best known as a dry-cleaning and metal-degreasing solvent. In the United States those uses are now restricted: EPA published a TSCA final rule on 18 December 2024 that prohibits PCE in consumer use and many commercial and industrial uses, while allowing some uses to continue under a Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP).
What we supply it for
- Chemical intermediate. Feedstock in the manufacture of other chlorinated and fluorinated chemicals.
- Industrial process use. Permitted industrial processes operated under the rule's workplace controls.
- Documented end use only. Every order is qualified in writing before we quote.
What we do not supply it for
We do not supply perchloroethylene for consumer use, dry cleaning, aerosol degreasing or any other use the EPA rule prohibits. Whether your use qualifies is for you and your counsel to confirm, and we ask for a written end-use declaration.
Handling character
PCE is suspected of causing cancer and is toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Full hazard detail is in the Safety section below.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, colourless liquid |
| Purity (PCE) | Per grade, stated on COA |
| Stabiliser | Per producer grade |
| Water content | Per batch COA |
| Acidity / residue | Per batch COA |
Important: we publish no invented specification limits. The batch certificate of analysis is the governing document.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical state | Colourless liquid, sweet odour |
| Melting point | ≈ −22 °C |
| Boiling point | ≈ 121 °C |
| Density | ≈ 1.62 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Water solubility | Slightly soluble (≈ 150 mg/L at 25 °C) |
| Flammability | Not flammable under normal conditions |
Physical constants compiled from public reference data for CAS 127-18-4 and rounded for readability. Treat them as orientation, not as a specification.
Where PCE is used, and where it is restricted
Industrial uses we quote for, and the uses US rules now restrict.
Chemical intermediate
Feedstock for fluorinated and other chlorinated chemicals, a use the TSCA rule lets continue under workplace controls.
- Hexachloroethane route
- End-use declaration required
Industrial process solvent
Permitted industrial processes operated under a Workplace Chemical Protection Program.
- Closed-system use favoured
- Technical desk review on request
Petroleum & chemical manufacturing
Named by EPA among industrial settings where PCE is used as a solvent.
- Documented batch traceability
- Full SDS supplied
Restricted: dry cleaning
Phased out under the EPA rule on a staggered timeline. We do not supply this use.
- Consumer use prohibited
- Not supplied by Chelora
Restricted: degreasing
Aerosol and most cold cleaning uses are prohibited. We do not supply these uses.
- Ask us about methyl ethyl ketone or ethyl acetate
Contract & scheduled supply
Qualified industrial plants can be supported with scheduled delivery against a call-off calendar.
- Annual contracts with scheduled call-off
- End use re-confirmed each contract
Delivered to US plants and ports
We quote perchloroethylene to qualified industrial buyers at nominated delivery points across the United States. Chelora Chemicals is a sourcing and supply partner, not a US manufacturer, and does not hold US stock.
Gulf Coast
Entry point for bulk and containerised consignments.
- Houston & Galveston, TX
- New Orleans & Baton Rouge, LA
Northeast
Delivery into the mid-Atlantic and New England manufacturing belt.
- Newark & Elizabeth, NJ
- Philadelphia, PA
Southeast
Port-side delivery for Carolinas, Georgia and Florida plants.
- Savannah, GA
- Charleston, SC
Midwest & Great Lakes
Rail and truck forwarding to the industrial Midwest.
- Chicago, IL
- Detroit, MI
- Cleveland & Columbus, OH
West Coast
Pacific routing for West Coast die casters and foundries.
- Los Angeles & Long Beach, CA
- Seattle & Tacoma, WA
Southwest & Mountain
Inland delivery forwarded from the Gulf or Pacific gateway.
- Dallas–Fort Worth, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Denver, CO
Importing into the United States
Perchloroethylene is a TSCA-regulated chemical substance subject to EPA's December 2024 risk-management rule (40 CFR Part 751, Subpart G). The rule prohibits many uses and restricts import and distribution for them, while other uses continue under a Workplace Chemical Protection Program. Compliance dates have been amended, and EPA has said the rule is under reconsideration, so we confirm the current position and your end use before every quotation.
Under TSCA section 13 the importer of record, or its authorised agent, certifies each shipment to US Customs and Border Protection. We agree in writing who files that certification before the first consignment moves. Which party carries that duty follows the Incoterm. Safety data sheets and labels are supplied to OSHA's updated Hazard Communication Standard, and UN 1897 transport documentation is prepared before booking.
| Item | How it works |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Industrial buyers with a written end-use declaration |
| Incoterms quoted | FOB · CFR · CIF · DDP |
| Importer of record | Agreed in writing before the first shipment |
| TSCA certification | Section 13 certification filed at entry |
| Documentation | Batch COA, SDS, packing list, certificate of origin |
Note: this page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your obligations with your regulatory counsel. Regional coverage describes where we deliver, not where we hold inventory.
How we supply perchloroethylene
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and sourcing partner, not a manufacturer. Because PCE is tightly regulated in the US, the first step on this line is confirming that your end use is permitted, before we discuss grade or price.
We then place your order with a qualified producer that matches your grade and delivery window, and confirm US import requirements before booking.
- End use confirmed before we quote. A written declaration is required for every order.
- Regulatory position checked first. We review the current TSCA rule status and agree who files the section 13 certification.
- UN 1897 documentation managed end to end. Classification and carrier compliance confirmed before booking.
- Batch traceability to the producing plant. Chain-of-custody records on request.
- One desk for chlorinated products. Order alongside hexachloroethane and monochlorobenzene.
Pack format matched to your plant
Tell us your preferred format and handling route and we will quote and classify to it.
Packaged liquid
Drums or IBCs suited to the liquid, with pack type and size confirmed at quotation.
ISO tank
Bulk delivery for qualified continuous consumers, where the route and receiving site allow.
Incoterms to suit you
Quoted on the Incoterm your purchasing team works to, with documentation filed before booking.
Suspected carcinogen — control exposure
Perchloroethylene is a non-flammable liquid whose vapour is heavier than air, and it is toxic to aquatic life. The summary below is orientation only — the safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch is the authoritative document.
Classified hazards
H351Suspected of causing cancer.H411Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Carcinogen listings. IARC places tetrachloroethylene in Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans). The US National Toxicology Program lists it as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, and it is listed under California Proposition 65. Some SDS versions list additional hazard statements, so follow the SDS for your batch.
Storage
Store in closed, labelled containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and incompatible materials listed on the SDS. Vapour settles in low spaces, so ventilate before entry.
Handling
Use closed systems or local exhaust ventilation. Wear gloves and eye protection suited to chlorinated solvents, and follow the exposure limits and workplace controls that apply to your site, including any WCPP duties.
Transport
Commonly shipped as UN 1897, Tetrachloroethylene, Class 6.1, Packing Group III. We confirm and document the exact classification and routing for your shipment and destination.
Every batch, documented
We verify end use and documentation before dispatch so there are no surprises at your incoming-goods bench.
End use and specification agreed
Written end-use declaration and grade requirements confirmed before order placement.
Producer batch testing
The producing plant tests each batch against the agreed specification before release.
Documentation review
COA, SDS, TSCA certification data and UN 1897 transport paperwork checked by our desk before the shipment is booked.
Traceable dispatch
Each shipment is traceable to its producing batch, with chain-of-custody records on request.
How PCE is made
Perchloroethylene is a fully chlorinated two-carbon compound, produced commercially by chlorination of C2 hydrocarbons or chlorinated hydrocarbons, a route built on ethylene chemistry.
Further chlorination of PCE gives hexachloroethane, and PCE also serves as a feedstock in fluorinated-compound production. It belongs to the same wider chlorinated family as vinyl chloride monomer.
We do not publish operating process parameters here; this is background only. Full technical documentation accompanies every shipment, and process detail is best confirmed with our technical desk.
| Chemical family | Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon (C2) |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Tetrachloroethylene, tetrachloroethene, perc, PCE |
| Upstream | Ethylene chemistry |
| Downstream | Hexachloroethane, fluorinated compounds |
| Regulation (US) | TSCA section 6 rule, 40 CFR Part 751 Subpart G |
The rest of the chlorinated and solvent range
Chlorinated relatives and alternative industrial solvents, all supplied from the same desk.
Perchloroethylene, answered
What is perchloroethylene?
What is perchloroethylene used for?
Is perchloroethylene legal to import and use in the United States?
Do you supply PCE for dry cleaning or consumer use?
Who can buy perchloroethylene from you?
Is perchloroethylene hazardous?
What are the main physical properties of PCE?
How is perchloroethylene transported?
What packing, documents and US delivery do you offer?
Do you manufacture this yourself?
Get a quote on Perchloroethylene
Send us your end use, required grade, pack size, US delivery point and Incoterm. We will come back with a firm quote, lead time and full documentation, and can price related chlorinated products in the same enquiry.