CAS 127-18-4
Perchloroethylene (PCE)
CAS 127-18-4C2Cl4~165.8 g/mol
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a versatile solvent primarily used in dry cleaning applications, effectively replacing carbon tetrachloride in the industry. Known for its rapid evaporation and residue-free cleaning properties, PCE serves as a critical component in commercial, garment rental, and coin-operated operations. Its utility extends to vapor degreasing, as well as a solvent carrier in a variety of products such as adhesives, paints, and coatings. In Kenya, the demand for PCE is driven by the expanding textile and cleaning sectors, supported by rising disposable incomes.
Main applicationDry cleaning — primary solvent for carbon tetrachloride replacement.
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is vital for industries such as textile cleaning, metal degreasing, and chemical manufacturing. Its role as a primary solvent in dry cleaning helps maintain garment quality and extends textile life. Moreover, as a chemical intermediate, PCE is instrumental in producing essential refrigerants, supporting sustainability goals in the face of climate challenges.
Also known as
- Tetrachloroethylene
- Perc
- Ethene
- 1
- 1
- 2
- 2-Tetrachloro

Trade pricing
Quoted per enquiry
Pricing depends on volume, grade and delivery point. Our desk responds within two working hours.
Available packaging
- Available in net weight 330 KGS containers.
Documentation
Batch-specific COA issued with every consignment.
Technical specifications
- CAS number
- 127-18-4
- Chemical formula
- C2Cl4
- Molecular weight
- ~165.8 g/mol
- Grade
- Industrial grade
- Appearance
- Colorless liquid
- Concentration
- Varies by grade
Perchloroethylene (PCE), with the molecular formula C2Cl4, is a colorless liquid characterized by a mild chloroform-like odor. It is produced in a range of grades tailored for specific uses, including dry-cleaning, industrial degreasing, catalyst use, and as a chemical intermediate in the production of refrigerants. With a molecular weight of approximately 165.8 g/mol, PCE is chosen for its high boiling point, making it suitable for heavy-duty degreasing. When procuring PCE, buyers should consider the specific grade that matches their application requirements, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with local regulatory standards.
Types of Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Dry‑cleaning grade
- Industrial/degreasing grade
- Catalyst grade
- Fluorocarbon feedstock grade
- Technical
- USP
- Spectrometric grades
Delivery
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is dispatched from our Nairobi warehouse across Kenya, and export delivery is arranged to the wider East African market. Lead time depends on quantity and grade and is confirmed with your quotation — see delivery and collection for the towns we reach and how dispatch works.
Applications & uses
- Dry cleaning — primary solvent for carbon tetrachloride replacement.
- Chemical intermediate — used in refrigerant production.
- Vapor degreasing — preferred for heavy grease removal.
- Solvent carrier — used in adhesives, paints, and coatings.
- Processing aid — used in pesticide and lubricant manufacture.
- Metal cleaning — removal of greases and oils in various industries.
- Textile processing — used in fabric treatments and cleaning.
- Automotive care — used in polishes and cleaning agents.
Industries we supply this to
Why buy this from Sparks
- Versatile solution for diverse cleaning and chemical applications.
- Effective residue-free cleaning enhances finish quality.
- Wide range of grades allows for customized applications.
- High evaporation rate shortens processing time.
- Supports various industrial applications, from textiles to metals.
- Effective replacement for more hazardous substances.
Quality assurance
- Batches are checked against the specification values listed above before dispatch.
State what your process, auditor or customs clearance requires when you request a quotation, and it is confirmed with the quote.
Safety, handling & storage
Always consult the full Safety Data Sheet before handling. Personnel must use appropriate PPE and follow local regulations for storage, transport and disposal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Perchloroethylene (PCE)?
The CAS registry number for Perchloroethylene (PCE) is 127-18-4. Its chemical formula is C2Cl4, with a molecular weight of ~165.8 g/mol. Quote this number when requesting a quotation or checking documentation, as it identifies the substance unambiguously regardless of the trade name used.
What are the other names for Perchloroethylene (PCE)?
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is also referred to as Tetrachloroethylene, Perc, Ethene, 1, 1 and 2. These names describe the same substance, so a specification or enquiry written against any of them can be matched to this product.
What grade of Perchloroethylene (PCE) is supplied?
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is supplied as Industrial grade. State the grade your process requires when requesting a quotation — where an alternative grade can be sourced, it is confirmed at quotation stage rather than assumed.
What types of Perchloroethylene (PCE) are available?
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is supplied as Dry‑cleaning grade, Industrial/degreasing grade, Catalyst grade, Fluorocarbon feedstock grade, Technical, USP and Spectrometric grades. State which type your process requires when requesting a quotation, or ask us to confirm which is the right fit.
What concentration is Perchloroethylene (PCE) supplied at?
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is supplied at a concentration of Varies by grade. Concentration and assay are separate figures: the concentration describes the strength of the material as supplied, and the certificate of analysis issued for your consignment carries the measured values for that batch.
What does Perchloroethylene (PCE) look like?
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is described as colorless liquid. Appearance is a useful first check on receipt of goods, though it does not replace the certificate of analysis for confirming that the material meets specification.
What is Perchloroethylene (PCE) used for?
Common applications include dry cleaning — primary solvent for carbon tetrachloride replacement., chemical intermediate — used in refrigerant production., vapor degreasing — preferred for heavy grease removal., solvent carrier — used in adhesives, paints, and coatings., processing aid — used in pesticide and lubricant manufacture. and metal cleaning — removal of greases and oils in various industries.. The suitability of the product for a particular process depends on the grade and specification required, which is worth confirming against your own process conditions.
Which industries use Perchloroethylene (PCE)?
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is supplied to the Water Treatment, Food Processing & Beverage, Agriculture & Agrochemicals, Mining & Minerals, Construction & Admixtures, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Cleaning & Detergents, Paints, Coatings & Inks, Textile & Leather Tanning, Oil, Gas & Energy and Laboratories & Research sectors. These are the industries this product is listed against in our catalogue; if your application falls outside them, we can advise on suitability before you order.
What packaging is Perchloroethylene (PCE) available in?
Available in net weight 330 KGS containers. Where a different pack size or bulk delivery is required, it is confirmed at quotation stage against availability rather than listed here as standard.
References
Technical information on this page was compiled from the following published sources. Safety and handling data always comes from the supplier’s own safety data sheet.
- 1.Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) | NIOSH | CDCarchive.cdc.gov
- 2.PERCHLOROETHYLENE (TETRACHLOROETHYLENE) | Occupational Safety and Health Administrationosha.gov
- 3.PERCHLOROETHYLENE FROM BELGIUM,usitc.gov
- 4.Perchloroethylene | Westlake Corporationwestlake.com
- 5.United Stateswww3.epa.gov
- 6.Scope of the Risk Evaluation for Perchloroethylene (Ethene, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloro) CASRN: 127-18-4nepis.epa.gov
- 7.Best Chemical for Industrial Washing in Thanereddit.com
- 8.Kenya Perchloroethylene Market | Outlook & Revenue 20266wresearch.com
- 9.Microsoft Word - QSPTF073GOV11_Kenya_National Chemicals Profile_finalcwm.unitar.org
Related chemicals
Frequently bought together with Perchloroethylene (PCE), or used as alternatives in the same processes.

Butyl Glycol
Butyl Glycol is a versatile solvent widely utilized in the paint and coatings industry for its excellent flow, leveling, and pigment dispersion prope…
- CAS
- 111-76-2
- Formula
- C6H14O2
Solvents & Thinners

Diethylene Glycol
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is a versatile industrial solvent with significant use in polyester resin production and antifreeze formulations. Its excelle…
- CAS
- 111-46-6
- Formula
- C4H10O3
Solvents & Thinners
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl Alcohol, widely recognized by its CAS number 67-63-0, is a versatile solvent used heavily across industries for cleaning, sanitizing, and a…
- CAS
- 67-63-0
- Formula
- C3H8O
Solvents & Thinners
