Substance profile
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is a colorless liquid with a sweetish suffocating chloroform-like odor.
01 · Identification
What 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is a colorless liquid with a sweetish suffocating chloroform-like odor. Its molecular formula is C2H2Cl4 and its molecular weight is 167.8 g/mol. It boils at 146 °C, melts at -42.3 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · Identifiers
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane identifiers and molecular data
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane CAS number and EC number
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane molecular formula and molecular weight
03 · GHS classification
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane pictograms and signal word
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute toxicity - dermal GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 1 or 2 | H310 | GHS06 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 1 or 2 | H330 | GHS06 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 2 | H411 | GHS09 |
Where two values are shown with “or”, the hazard statement is shared by more than one category or by more than one class, and the code alone does not say which. H272, for example, belongs to oxidising liquids and to oxidising solids — the physical state decides. The binding answer for a specific entry is in the CLP Annex VI table itself.
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H310 | Fatal in contact with skin. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroeth… issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 10 precautionary statements to 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Disposal
What has to happen to the contents and the empty container.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | 1,1,2,2-тетрахлороетан |
| Spanish español | 1,1,2,2-Tetracloroetano |
| Czech čeština | 1,1,2,2-tetrachlorethan |
| Danish dansk | 1,1,2,2-tetrachlorethan |
| German Deutsch | 1,1,2,2-Tetrachlorethan Acetylentetrachlorid |
| Estonian eesti | 1,1,2,2-tetrakloroetaan |
| Greek ελληνικά | 1,1,2,2-τετραχλωροαιθάνιο |
| English English | 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane |
| French français | 1,1,2,2-tétrachloroéthane |
| Croatian hrvatski | 1,1,2,2-tetrakloretan |
| Italian italiano | 1,1,2,2-tetracloroetano |
| Latvian latviešu | 1,1,2,2-tetrahloretāns |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | 1,1,2,2-tetrachloretanas |
| Hungarian magyar | 1,1,2,2-tetraklóretán |
| Maltese Malti | 1,1,2,2-tetrakloroetan |
| Dutch Nederlands | 1,1,2,2-tetrachloorethaan |
| Polish polski | 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroetan tetrachlorek acetylenu |
| Portuguese português | 1,1,2,2-tetracloroetano |
| Romanian română | 1,1,2,2-tetracloretan |
| Slovak slovenčina | 1,1,2,2-tetrachlóretán |
| Slovenian slovenščina | 1,1,2,2-tetrakloroetan |
| Finnish suomi | 1,1,2,2-tetrakloorietaani |
| Swedish svenska | 1,1,2,2-tetrakloretan |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
- Fatal in contact with skin.
- Fatal if inhaled.
- Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF ON SKIN:
- IF INHALED:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Wash with plenty of water/…
- Collect spillage.
- Dispose of contents/container to …
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane health hazards and exposure limits
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane hazard summary
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is a manufactured, colorless, dense liquid that does not burn easily. It is volatile and has a sweet odor. In the past, it was used in large amounts to produce other chemicals, as an industrial solvent to clean and degrease metals, and as an ingredient in paints and pesticides. Commercial production of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane for these uses has stopped in the United States. It presently is used only as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals.
Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of this study, orally administered 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane is a liver carcinogen in B6C3F1 mice of both sexes. The results do not provide conclusive evidence for the carcinogenicity of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane in Osborne-Mendel rats.
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-027: Bioassay of 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane for Possible Carcinogenicity (CASRN 79-34-5) (1978 )
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane. There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane. Overall evaluation: 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Cancer Classification: Group C Possible Human Carcinogen
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 5.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 5 ppm (35 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 5 ppm (35 mg/m3) [skin] See Appendix G | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 1 ppm (7 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | Ca TWA 1 ppm (7 mg/m3) [skin] See Appendix ASee Appendix C (Chloroethanes) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 100 ppm ; A potential occupational carcinogen. [From NPG: 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane] (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 100 ppm ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 100.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 146 °C (294.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 146.67 °C (296 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 146.11 °C (295 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -42.3 °C (-44.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -36.11 °C (-33 °F) | NIOSH |
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.5953 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 1.595 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 1.5877 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB |
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | In water, 2,900 mg/L at 20 °C. | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| In water, 2,830 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 5 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 5 mmHg | at 21.11 °C | CAMEO | |
| 5.74 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | An explosion may occur when the solvent symmetrical tetrachloroethane is almost removed in the chlorinolysis of 2,4-dinitrophenyl disulfide. | HSDB | |
| Noncombustible Liquid | NIOSH |
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 5.79 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 5.8 (air = 1) | ICSC |
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | The odor threshold in air is 1.5 ppm. | HSDB | |
| Low: 21.0 mg/cu m; High: 35.0 mg/cu m. | HSDB | ||
| The odor warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. | HSDB |
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 388 °C (730.4 °F) | HSDB |
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | Corrosive liquid | HSDB | |
| Liquid will attack some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane fire potential
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane itself does not burn.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane storage and handling
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane safe storage
Separated from strong bases, alkali metals and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Cool. Keep in the dark. Ventilation along the floor. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane storage conditions
Keep containers closed. Store in cool and dark place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane incompatible materials
Reactivity: reacts violently with 2,4-dinitrophenyl disulfide, nitrogen trioxide, and on contact with potassium or sodium
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane reactivity
Halogenated aliphatic compounds, such as TETRACHLOROETHANE, are moderately or very reactive. Halogenated organics generally become less reactive as more of their hydrogen atoms are replaced with halogen atoms. Materials in this group may be incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they may be incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides. Decomposed by heat and UV light, forming phosgene and HCl; reacts violently with finely dispersed metals. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 886].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Questions
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane?
The CAS number of 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is 79-34-5. Its EC number is 201-197-8.
What is the chemical formula of 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane?
The molecular formula of 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is C2H2Cl4 and its molecular weight is 167.8 g/mol.
What does a 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane carries the pictograms Skull and crossbones and Environment and the signal word is Danger.
Is 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane no flammability hazard class. That is not a statement that it cannot burn: the harmonised list only records the hazards that were assessed for it.
Is 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health. IARC places it in Group 2B: possibly carcinogenic to humans.
What is the exposure limit for 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is 5.0 [ppm] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane?
The boiling point reported for 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is 146 °C (294.8 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane?
The melting point reported for 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is -42.3 °C (-44.1 °F) (HSDB).
How should 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane be stored?
Keep containers closed. Store in cool and dark place. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
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