What is perclorethylene?
Harry Hammond
I have discovered some containers holding a
clear liquid that smells like kerosene. One
of the containers was labeled "perclorethylene".
Is this a fuel, pesticide, or what?
TIA - Harry
Casey Donovan
Harry Hammond <cros...@radix.net> wrote:
Functionally, it's the most commonly used dry cleaning fluid -- the solvent
a dry cleaner washes clothes in, typically with a little soluble detergent
added. Chemically, it's tetrachloroethane, Cl2-CH-CH-Cl2.
It's stable, non-flammable, and has a rather high sp. gr., around 1.4 as I
recall. It's been accused of being a "possible carcinogen" or words to
that effect.
Its odor should be readily distinguishable from kerosene. If it really
smells like kerosene, it's possible that it is petroleum naphtha, in a
mislabeled container. Some dry cleaners also use it, in machinery designed
for it. A check of density should give a clue.
Carsten Ricker
On Mon, 2 Sep 1996, Harry Hammond wrote:
> I have discovered some containers holding a
> clear liquid that smells like kerosene. One
> of the containers was labeled "perclorethylene".
> Is this a fuel, pesticide, or what?
>=20
> TIA - Harry
>=20
>=20
Perchlorethylene is Tetrachloroethene Cl2C=3DCCl2.
It is used in the laundry for chemical cleaning of clothes.
Bp: 121=B0C, Harmful,
Hope this helps
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
_______ ______
/ / / Dipl. Chem. Carsten Ricker
/ /______/ Institut fuer Org. Chemie
/=09 / \=09 Universitaet Goettingen
/ =09 / \ Tammannstr. 2
/________ /=09 \ =09 37077 Goettingen
=09 =B0=09 =B0
CRI...@GWDG.DE priv: Zimmermannstr. 58-003
=09 37075 Goettingen
=09 Tel.: 0551/21849
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
Harry Hammond
Casey Donovan wrote:
> It's stable, non-flammable, and has a rather high sp. gr., around 1.4 as I
> recall. It's been accused of being a "possible carcinogen" or words to
> that effect.
>
> Its odor should be readily distinguishable from kerosene. If it really
> smells like kerosene, it's possible that it is petroleum naphtha, in a
> mislabeled container. Some dry cleaners also use it, in machinery designed
> for it. A check of density should give a clue.
ok, we're definitely talk mislabeled. This stuff is flammable.
Burns like kerosene or lamp oil. Looks and smells like it too.
I soaked a paint brush in about 8oz of it. Worked quite well.
There are five barrels. All of them very rusty on the outside. Only
one has writing on it (or so it seems). That one says perclorethylene.
This one is close to empty. Another one was stored with the cap off
and subsequently is very dirty. The other three are like I described
above, very clean and smell like a fuel substance. K-1 is what came
to mind.
How can I go about finding out?
Casey Donovan
Harry Hammond <cros...@radix.net> wrote:
>Casey Donovan wrote:
>> It's stable, non-flammable, and has a rather high sp. gr., around 1.4 as I
>> recall. It's been accused of being a "possible carcinogen" or words to
>> that effect.
>>
>> Its odor should be readily distinguishable from kerosene. If it really
>> smells like kerosene, it's possible that it is petroleum naphtha, in a
>> mislabeled container. Some dry cleaners also use it, in machinery designed
>> for it. A check of density should give a clue.
>
>ok, we're definitely talk[ing] mislabeled. This stuff is flammable.
>Burns like kerosene or lamp oil. Looks and smells like it too.
>I soaked a paint brush in about 8oz of it. Worked quite well.
>
>There are five barrels. All of them very rusty on the outside. Only
>one has writing on it (or so it seems). That one says perclorethylene.
>This one is close to empty. Another one was stored with the cap off
>and subsequently is very dirty. The other three are like I described
>above, very clean and smell like a fuel substance. K-1 is what came
>to mind.
>
>How can I go about finding out?
That depends on how definitively you really need or want to know, and how
much money you want to spend. If it burns and weighs no more than an equal
volume of water, it isn't perk. My guess about petroleum naphtha (Varsol)
comes from 1) the odor, 2) only a dry cleaner would be likely to have a
perk drum lying around, 3) some dry cleaners do use petroleum naphtha.
A commercial laboratory could determine 1) that it is or isn't a
hydrocarbon, and 2) if it is, the distribution of compounds in it, i.e.,
gasoline, kerosene, naphtha, aromatic naphtha, etc. However, just going
this far could cost several hundred dollars, more than its economic value.
If disposal is the main concern, I can't advise you. Too many
opportunities for claims of liability.
Sounds like you have fuel for lighting your charcoal grill for a few years
to come, but I didn't tell you it's safe for that job.
Alan "Uncle Al" Schwartz
Harry Hammond <cros...@radix.net> wrote:
>I have discovered some containers holding a
>clear liquid that smells like kerosene. One
>of the containers was labeled "perclorethylene".
>Is this a fuel, pesticide, or what?
Perchloroethylene is tetrachloroethylene, formerly used as a dry cleaning
solvent. It worked so well and safely that it has been banned. The
replacements are biologically hazardous, mediocre performers, and
flammable.
Don't you feel safer now? How about "protected to death?"
--
Alan "Uncle Al" Schwartz
Uncl...@ix.netcom.com ("zero" before @)
http://www.netprophet.co.nz/uncleal/
(Toxic URL! Hazardous to children, Democrats, and most mammals.)
"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?" The Net!
Michael C. Miller
You can have any lab familiar with fuel analysis run some simple tests,
a D-86 distillation, or possibly a GC or GC/MS (PONA-Paraffins, Olefins,
Naphthenics, Aromatics) comes to mind. The GC/MS would be more definitive if there
are other constitiuants. If your looking to get rid of the barrrels and your not
sure what they are, you can contact a company by the name of Safety-Kleen and they
can take care of it for you. They routinely work in the area of lubricants, fuels,
perchlorethylene, etc. The commonly supply garages, repair shops etc. with cleaning
solvents and take them back to one of several facilities throughout the country for
reprocessing. The also handle hazardous waste reclamation. If you need a number or
a contact please e-mail me and I'll get it for you.
--
II*
Ted Mooney
Alan "Uncle Al" Schwartz wrote:
>
> Perchloroethylene is tetrachloroethylene, formerly used as a dry cleaning
> solvent. It worked so well and safely that it has been banned. The
> replacements are biologically hazardous, mediocre performers, and
> flammable.
>
> Don't you feel safer now? How about "protected to death?"
>
I largely agree with your thrust, but are you sure perc is banned? By
what body, under what reasoning? 1-1-1 Trichlorethane is banned, but I
didn't hear that perc is.
-- Ted Mooney
------------
Visit 'the home page of the finishing industry'
http://www.finishing.com
------------
the man
On Thu, 05 Sep 1996 22:04:28 -0400, Ted Mooney <tmo...@intac.com>
wrote:
>Alan "Uncle Al" Schwartz wrote:
>>
>> Perchloroethylene is tetrachloroethylene, formerly used as a dry cleaning
>> solvent. It worked so well and safely that it has been banned. The
>> replacements are biologically hazardous, mediocre performers, and
>> flammable.
>>
>> Don't you feel safer now? How about "protected to death?"
>>
>
>I largely agree with your thrust, but are you sure perc is banned? By
>what body, under what reasoning? 1-1-1 Trichlorethane is banned, but I
>didn't hear that perc is.
>
>-- Ted Mooney
>------------
Perc is not banned. at least not in the US.
I analyze quite a few air samples for the stuff.
Limonene is slowly replacing it in the Metal industry (degreaser).
Bruce Hamilton
case...@icsi.net (Casey Donovan) wrote:
>Harry Hammond <cros...@radix.net> wrote:
>>I have discovered some containers holding a
>>clear liquid that smells like kerosene. One
>>of the containers was labeled "perclorethylene".
>Functionally, it's the most commonly used dry cleaning fluid -- the solvent
>a dry cleaner washes clothes in, typically with a little soluble detergent
>added. Chemically, it's tetrachloroethane, Cl2-CH-CH-Cl2.
No it's not, it's tetrachloroethylene. Cl2-CH=CH-Cl2.
Boiling point 121C, and a suspected carcinogen. I suspect
that it is no longer the most commonly used dry cleaning fluid,
although it once was. Unless the containers are unopened, it's
possible the contents could be a proprietary mixture, as
perchloroethylene smells different to kerosene. Put a small
amount into a small cylinder with a known volume of water,
the perchloroethylene will sink, and and any kerosine
will float. If there are also water-micible compounds, the
water layer will increase in size and may become turbid.
Use/dispose of in a well vetilated area is only a tiny amount,
but it will cost to legally dispose of larger amounts.
Bruce Hamilton
John M Woodgate
In article <997cc$4151.1e8@HERMES>, Bruce Hamilton
<URL:mailto:B.Ham...@irl.cri.nz> wrote:
>
> case...@icsi.net (Casey Donovan) wrote:
>
> >Harry Hammond <cros...@radix.net> wrote:
> >>I have discovered some containers holding a
> >>clear liquid that smells like kerosene. One
> >>of the containers was labeled "perclorethylene".
>
> >Functionally, it's the most commonly used dry cleaning fluid -- the solvent
> >a dry cleaner washes clothes in, typically with a little soluble detergent
> >added. Chemically, it's tetrachloroethane, Cl2-CH-CH-Cl2.
>
> No it's not, it's tetrachloroethylene. Cl2-CH=CH-Cl2.
JMW: Wow! 5-valent carbon! Still, who has never made a slip?
[snip]
> Bruce Hamilton
--
Regards, J. M. Woodgate. Tel: +44 (0)1268 747839 Fax: +44 (0)1268 777124
OOO (Own Opinions Only)
the man
On Thu, 12 Sep 1996 11:46:06 GMT, case...@icsi.net (Casey Donovan)
wrote:
>>>
>>> >Functionally, it's the most commonly used dry cleaning fluid -- the solvent
>>> >a dry cleaner washes clothes in, typically with a little soluble detergent
>>> >added. Chemically, it's tetrachloroethane, Cl2-CH-CH-Cl2.
>>>
>>
>>
>>> No it's not, it's tetrachloroethylene. Cl2-CH=CH-Cl2.
>>
I believe the "per" means that it's saturated.
Bruce Hamilton
In article <3237f6f6....@library.airnews.net>
case...@icsi.net (Casey Donovan) writes:
> John M Woodgate <jm...@thenet.co.uk> wrote:
>>In article <...>, Bruce Hamilton
>>> case...@icsi.net (Casey Donovan) wrote:
>>> >Harry Hammond <cros...@radix.net> wrote:
>>> >>I have discovered some containers holding a
>>> >>clear liquid that smells like kerosene. One
>>> >>of the containers was labeled "perclorethylene".
>>>
>>> >Functionally, it's the most commonly used dry cleaning fluid -- the solvent
>>> >a dry cleaner washes clothes in, typically with a little soluble detergent
>>> >added. Chemically, it's tetrachloroethane, Cl2-CH-CH-Cl2.
>>> No it's not, it's tetrachloroethylene. Cl2-CH=CH-Cl2.
>>
>>JMW: Wow! 5-valent carbon! Still, who has never made a slip?
Oops, sorry about that, thanks for the polite correction, I forgot to
remove the hydrogens when I added the equal sign. More haste,
less speed.
>Looks like two of us did :-) . Reckon mine was the worse one -- the
>common name is -not- a misnomer. Keep trying, we'll get it right yet!
Cl Cl
\ /
C = C
/ \
Cl Cl
I hope that's sufficiently correct :-).
Bruce Hamilton
Eric Lucas
> >>> >a dry cleaner washes clothes in, typically with a little soluble detergent
> >>> >added. Chemically, it's tetrachloroethane, Cl2-CH-CH-Cl2.
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>> No it's not, it's tetrachloroethylene. Cl2-CH=CH-Cl2.
> >>
>
> I believe the "per" means that it's saturated.
Hmm.... Now we've gone from *pentavalent* carbons to *trivalent* ones.
Fascinating, in a newsgroup called sci.chem!
Eric Lucas
Peter Robinson
In article <323C1E...@superlink.net>, lu...@superlink.net says...
>Functionally, it's the most commonly used dry cleaning fluid -- the solvent
>a dry cleaner washes clothes in, typically with a little soluble detergent
>added. Chemically, it's tetrachloroethane, Cl2-CH-CH-Cl2.
>>No it's not, it's tetrachloroethylene. Cl2-CH=CH-Cl2.
>>try: Cl2-C-C-Cl2 I believe the "per" means that it's saturated.
>
>Hmm.... Now we've gone from *pentavalent* carbons to *trivalent* ones.
>Fascinating, in a newsgroup called sci.chem!
'Perchloro' refers to all the hydrogens having been replaced by chlorines.
Tetrachloroethylene is correct, but with the structure Cl2C=CCl2 (meaning two
chlorines, NOT 12 carbons - wish we could use subscripts or a better font!)
Peter Robinson pe...@rjhill.co.nz
Environmental Division phone: 0064 7 855 2266
R J Hill Laboratories Ltd fax: 0064 7 854 9886
Hamilton, New Zealand
"ACTIVATION ENERGY: The quantity of useful energy available in one cup of
coffee"
jacques djandjikian
Ted Mooney wrote:
>
> Alan "Uncle Al" Schwartz wrote:
> >
> > Perchloroethylene is tetrachloroethylene, formerly used as a dry cleaning
> > solvent. It worked so well and safely that it has been banned. The
> > replacements are biologically hazardous, mediocre performers, and
> > flammable.
> >
> > Don't you feel safer now? How about "protected to death?"
> >
>
> I largely agree with your thrust, but are you sure perc is banned? By
> what body, under what reasoning? 1-1-1 Trichlorethane is banned, but I
> didn't hear that perc is.
>
> -- Ted Mooney
> ------------
jack