Tetrachloroethane

Tetrachloroethane 

(or 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane), a symmetrical tetrachloroethane, CC1₂H—CC1₂H; a colorless liquid with an odor similar to that of chloroform and with a boiling point of 146.2°C and a density of 1.597 g/cm³ at 20°C. Tetrachloroethane dissolves in organic solvents; it readily dissolves phosphorus, sulfur, fats and oils, resins, and many other organic and inorganic compounds, but its use is limited because of its toxicity (it is a powerful renal and liver toxin). The maximum allowable concentration of tetrachloroethane vapor in air is 0.001 mg perliter. Tetrachloroethane, which is produced by the chlorination of acetylene, HG≡CH, is used mainly for the production of trichloroethylene.