Pentachloroethane: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:27, 15 February 2025

Pentachloroethane[edit]

Pentachloroethane is a chlorinated hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₂HCl₅. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature and is known for its use in various industrial applications.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Pentachloroethane is characterized by the presence of five chlorine atoms attached to a two-carbon alkane backbone. This high degree of chlorination imparts significant chemical stability and resistance to degradation. The molecular structure can be represented as Cl₂CHCCl₃, indicating the substitution of hydrogen atoms by chlorine.

Physical Properties[edit]

Pentachloroethane is a dense, non-flammable liquid with a relatively high boiling point. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as benzene and chloroform.

Production[edit]

The production of pentachloroethane typically involves the chlorination of ethane or ethylene in the presence of a catalyst. This process results in the sequential substitution of hydrogen atoms by chlorine atoms.

Uses[edit]

Pentachloroethane has been used historically as a solvent and in the production of other chemicals. Its applications have decreased due to environmental concerns and the development of safer alternatives.

Health and Safety[edit]

Exposure to pentachloroethane can pose health risks. It is important to handle this chemical with care, using appropriate personal protective equipment and following safety guidelines to minimize exposure.

Environmental Impact[edit]

As a chlorinated hydrocarbon, pentachloroethane is persistent in the environment and can contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. Its use is regulated in many countries to prevent environmental contamination.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Pentachloroethane''' is a [[chlorocarbon]] with the formula C2Cl5H. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, pleasant odor. It is used as a solvent for oil and grease, in metal cleaning, and in the separation of coal from impurities.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Pentachloroethane}}
-==Chemical Properties==
+== Pentachloroethane ==
-Pentachloroethane is a [[chlorinated hydrocarbon]] that has been used as a solvent, in the production of [[fluorocarbons]], and in the separation of [[coal]] from impurities. It is a dense, non-flammable liquid that is stable under normal conditions. It is not found naturally in the environment and is produced by human activities.
+[[File:Pentachloroethane.svg|thumb|right|Structural formula of pentachloroethane]]
-==Health Effects==
+'''Pentachloroethane''' is a [[chlorinated hydrocarbon]] with the chemical formula C<sub>2</sub>HCl<sub>5</sub>. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature and is known for its use in various industrial applications.
-Exposure to pentachloroethane can occur through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. It can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Acute exposure can result in [[central nervous system]] depression and liver and kidney damage. Chronic exposure can lead to liver and kidney damage, as well as damage to the lungs and nervous system.
-==Environmental Impact==
+== Chemical Properties ==
-Pentachloroethane is a persistent organic pollutant, meaning it does not break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms. It can be transported long distances in the air and can contaminate soil and water. It is toxic to aquatic life and can cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
+Pentachloroethane is characterized by the presence of five chlorine atoms attached to a two-carbon [[alkane]] backbone. This high degree of chlorination imparts significant chemical stability and resistance to degradation. The molecular structure can be represented as Cl<sub>2</sub>CHCCl<sub>3</sub>, indicating the substitution of hydrogen atoms by chlorine.
-==Regulation==
+== Physical Properties ==
-Due to its toxicity and persistence in the environment, the use and production of pentachloroethane is regulated in many countries. In the United States, it is classified as a [[hazardous substance]] under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and its release to the environment is subject to reporting requirements.
+Pentachloroethane is a dense, non-flammable liquid with a relatively high boiling point. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as [[benzene]] and [[chloroform]].
-==See Also==
+== Production ==
-* [[Chlorocarbons]]
+The production of pentachloroethane typically involves the chlorination of [[ethane]] or [[ethylene]] in the presence of a catalyst. This process results in the sequential substitution of hydrogen atoms by chlorine atoms.
-* [[Hazardous substances]]
-* [[Persistent organic pollutants]]
-[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
+== Uses ==
-[[Category:Chlorocarbons]]
+Pentachloroethane has been used historically as a solvent and in the production of other chemicals. Its applications have decreased due to environmental concerns and the development of safer alternatives.
-[[Category:Hazardous substances]]
-[[Category:Persistent organic pollutants]]
-{{Chem-stub}}
+== Health and Safety ==
-{{medicine-stub}}
+Exposure to pentachloroethane can pose health risks. It is important to handle this chemical with care, using appropriate [[personal protective equipment]] and following safety guidelines to minimize exposure.
+== Environmental Impact ==
+As a chlorinated hydrocarbon, pentachloroethane is persistent in the environment and can contribute to [[ozone depletion]] and [[global warming]]. Its use is regulated in many countries to prevent environmental contamination.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Chlorinated hydrocarbon]]
+* [[Ethane]]
+* [[Chloroform]]
+[[Category:Chlorinated hydrocarbons]]