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Chemical name: 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane
Other names: Tetrachloroethane, Acetylene tetrachloride
CAS number: 630-20-6
Molecular formula: C2H2Cl4
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a sweet odor people might describe as somewhat chloroform-like
Usage: Sometimes found in industrial degreasing applications or pesticide manufacturing; not common for consumer use
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity, central nervous system depression, aspiration hazard, possible carcinogen based on animal studies
Label elements: Signal word Danger, skull-and-crossbones, and exclamation mark pictograms
Hazard statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes respiratory tract irritation, can be fatal if inhaled or ingested in large amounts
Potential effects: Inhalation or skin contact can lead to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, loss of coordination, or even liver and kidney damage given sufficient exposure
Main ingredient: 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane ranges from 98% to 100% in most products
Impurities: Traces of related chlorinated hydrocarbons can appear depending on the manufacturing process, rarely exceeding a small fraction of total content
Inhalation: Get away from the contaminated area to fresh air immediately; respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing or confusion warrant medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek medical help since aspiration risk is high which means serious lung damage can develop
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash affected skin with plenty of water and soap, taking care to avoid spreading contamination; persistent irritation signals a need for a doctor
Eye contact: Rinse with water for several minutes; eye irritation or pain persisting after flushing requires medical evaluation
Suitable extinguishing media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powders, or foam to fight a fire involving this material
Unsuitable extinguishing media: Avoid direct streams of water since runoff can carry contamination
Fire hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air at high concentrations though flash point sits above ambient temperatures; decomposes under strong heat to release toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride and phosgene
Protective equipment: Firefighters wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing reduce inhalation and skin exposure
Personal precautions: Evacuate the area if spill occurs; avoid breathing vapors and direct skin or eye contact
Environmental precautions: Prevent substance from entering drains, surface water, or soil to reduce impact on aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources
Cleanup methods: Use non-sparking tools, absorb with inert material like sand, collect in appropriate containers for disposal; ventilate affected area thoroughly after cleanup
Handling: Use in well-ventilated spaces or under fume hoods to stop vapor buildup; avoid splashing, spills, and contact with incompatible materials such as strong alkalies and oxidizing agents
Storage: Keep tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, properly labeled location away from sources of heat or ignition; separate from food-stuffs to lower chance of cross-contamination or accidental poisoning
Workplace controls: Aim for local exhaust ventilation or general dilution ventilation; continuous air monitoring can spot vapor buildup in closed spaces
Personal protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (like nitrile or neoprene), splash-proof goggles, lab coats or coveralls, and suitable respirators if exposure exceeds recommended occupational exposure limits
Hygiene: Washing hands after use and before eating, drinking, or smoking keeps the risk of ingestion down
Physical state: Liquid
Color: Colorless
Odor: Distinctly sweet, not unlike chloroform
Boiling point: About 146°C (295°F)
Melting point: -35°C (-31°F)
Density: Nearly 1.6 g/cm³ at 20°C, meaning it sinks in water
Vapor pressure: Moderate; can build up enough concentration to cause health hazards in small, closed rooms
Solubility: Slight in water but miscible with most organic solvents like ether or alcohol
Vapor density: Heavier than air so vapors can settle in low spots
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions but decomposes under heat or open flame
Incompatible materials: Contact with strong bases or oxidizing agents sets off hazardous reactions
Hazardous decomposition products: Can form hydrogen chloride, phosgene (highly toxic), or chloroform when burnt or heated
Acute toxicity: Both oral and inhalation routes can cause toxic effects; short-term exposure leaves people drowsy, dizzy, and nauseated
Chronic health effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure damages liver, kidneys, and central nervous system; some animal studies link this chemical to increased cancer risk, raising concern for long-term occupational exposure
Sensitization: Reports of allergic response are rare, but individual response varies
Skin and eye contact: Prolonged or repeated contact irritates skin and eyes, sometimes enough to require medical attention if not quickly washed
Aquatic toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms with risk of long-lasting effects if released in significant quantities
Persistence: Breaks down slowly in the environment, particularly in groundwater with limited sunlight and bacteria
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to build up in animal tissues rapidly, but long persistence means exposure risk doesn’t go away quickly after a spill
Waste handling: Treat as hazardous waste; contaminated material and empty containers both carry risk and require specialized disposal
Waste treatment: Incinerate at approved facilities equipped for halogenated solvents, or use chemical treatments aligned with regulations that limit toxic by-product formation
Do not pour: Never dump down the drain or in the trash; unauthorized disposal risks environmental damage and hefty fines
UN number: Listed as hazardous for transport
Proper shipping name: 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane
Hazard class: Class 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing group: II or III depending on concentration and national rules
Transport precautions: Secure tightly, keep away from incompatible cargo, ensure clear labeling for emergency response teams
Workplace exposure limits: Occupational exposure limits set by agencies such as OSHA or NIOSH exist, although recommended values differ; staying well below established guidelines matters when dealing with possible carcinogens
Restrictions: Many countries limit use or require permits due to known health and environmental risks
Inventory status: Listed in chemical inventories including TSCA in the United States and international equivalents, with notes on restrictions or phasedown in some regions
Labeling requirements: Demands comprehensive health hazard and precautionary statements on all containers, reflecting the real risk of injury or environmental harm in cases of mishandling
