TETRACHLOROETHENE Meaning and
Definition
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Tetrachloroethene, also known as perchloroethylene or perc, is a colorless, nonflammable, volatile organic compound with the chemical formula C2Cl4. It is a chlorocarbon solvent commonly used in the dry cleaning industry and for degreasing metal components. This chemical is notable for its strong chlorine odor and excellent dissolving properties.
Tetrachloroethene is primarily produced through the chlorination of ethene. It is a dense liquid that evaporates easily at room temperature, leading to its widespread use as a cleaning agent. It has a high solubility in water and various organic solvents.
This compound is mainly utilized as a solvent due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, including fats, oils, waxes, and many organic compounds. It is widely employed in dry cleaning operations to remove stains and soils from fabrics without causing significant damage or shrinking. Additionally, it is used as a degreaser in metalworking industries to eliminate oil, grease, and dirt from metal surfaces before painting, plating, or welding.
Although tetrachloroethene has excellent solvent properties, it has been found to pose several health and environmental risks. Prolonged exposure and inhalation of this chemical may lead to adverse effects on the nervous system, liver, and kidneys, as well as respiratory irritation. Moreover, it is considered a potential groundwater and soil contaminant, making proper disposal and handling crucial to prevent environmental pollution.
Common Misspellings for TETRACHLOROETHENE
- retrachloroethene
- fetrachloroethene
- getrachloroethene
- yetrachloroethene
- 6etrachloroethene
- 5etrachloroethene
- twtrachloroethene
- tstrachloroethene
- tdtrachloroethene
- trtrachloroethene
- t4trachloroethene
- t3trachloroethene
- terrachloroethene
- tefrachloroethene
- tegrachloroethene
- teyrachloroethene
- te6rachloroethene
- te5rachloroethene
- teteachloroethene
- tetdachloroethene
Etymology of TETRACHLOROETHENE
The word "tetrachloroethene" is derived from the chemical composition and structure of the compound. Here is how the etymology breaks down:
1. "Tetra-" means four in Greek. It indicates that the compound contains four chlorine atoms.
2. "Chloro-" comes from the Greek word "khloros", which means greenish-yellow. In chemistry, it represents the chlorine element.
3. "Ethene" refers to a double-bonded hydrocarbon molecule having two carbon atoms. It originates from the prefix "eth-" denoting two in Greek and "-ene" indicating an unsaturated hydrocarbon.
Combining these elements, we get "tetrachloroethene" to describe a compound consisting of four chlorine atoms attached to a double-bonded ethene structure.
Similar spelling words for TETRACHLOROETHENE
- 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane,
- tetrachloroethane.
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