PERCHLOROETHENE Meaning and
Definition
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Perchloroethene, also known as tetrachloroethylene or PCE, is a colorless liquid chemical compound with the molecular formula C2Cl4. It is a member of the chlorocarbon family and is classified as a halogenated hydrocarbon.
Perchloroethene is primarily used as a solvent in a wide range of industrial applications. It has excellent solvent properties due to its nonflammability, high stability, and ability to dissolve various substances, including oils, greases, and other nonpolar compounds. Consequently, it is utilized in dry cleaning processes, metal degreasing, and the manufacturing of consumer products such as aerosols, paints, and coatings.
While perchloroethene has numerous industrial uses, it is important to note that it poses health and environmental risks. It is classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Chronic exposure to perchloroethene may lead to a variety of health issues, including liver and kidney damage, respiratory irritation, and nervous system disorders. Moreover, it is considered an environmental pollutant due to its persistence in soil and water, where it can contaminate drinking water supplies and negatively impact aquatic ecosystems.
Regulatory measures have been implemented to mitigate the risks associated with using perchloroethene. These include setting limits for occupational exposure, implementing proper disposal methods, and encouraging the development and utilization of safer alternatives.
Common Misspellings for PERCHLOROETHENE
- oerchloroethene
- lerchloroethene
- 0erchloroethene
- pwrchloroethene
- psrchloroethene
- pdrchloroethene
- prrchloroethene
- p4rchloroethene
- p3rchloroethene
- peechloroethene
- pedchloroethene
- pefchloroethene
- petchloroethene
- pe5chloroethene
- pe4chloroethene
- perxhloroethene
- pervhloroethene
- perfhloroethene
- perdhloroethene
- percgloroethene
Etymology of PERCHLOROETHENE
The word "perchloroethene" is derived from a combination of components. Let's break it down:
1. "Per-" prefix: It indicates that the compound contains a higher number of chlorine atoms compared to a related compound. In this case, "per-" signifies a fully chlorinated compound.
2. "Chloro-" prefix: It indicates the presence of chlorine atoms in the compound.
3. "Ethene": This is the root of the word and refers to a hydrocarbon compound with a double bond between two carbon atoms. Ethene is also known as ethylene.
Therefore, "perchloroethene" describes a compound that is fully chlorinated (per-) containing chlorine atoms and is structurally related to ethene (ethylene).
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