Substance profile
Pentachloroethane
Pentachloroethane is a colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Pentachloroethane is
Pentachloroethane is a colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Its molecular formula is C2HCl5 and its molecular weight is 202.3 g/mol. It boils at 162 °C, melts at -28.8 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
02 · Identifiers
Pentachloroethane identifiers and molecular data
Pentachloroethane CAS number and EC number
Pentachloroethane molecular formula and molecular weight
03 · GHS classification
Pentachloroethane hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Pentachloroethane pictograms and signal word
Pentachloroethane hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carcinogenicity GHS chapter 3.6 | Category 2 | H351 | GHS08 |
| Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure GHS chapter 3.9 | Category 1 | H372 | GHS08 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 2 | H411 | GHS09 |
Pentachloroethane hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H372 | Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Pentachloroethane. 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 Pentachloroethane
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 Pentachloroethane 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
Pentachloroethane precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 10 precautionary statements to Pentachloroethane. 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
Pentachloroethane 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 | пентахлороетан |
| Spanish español | Pentacloroetano |
| Czech čeština | pentachlorethan |
| Danish dansk | pentachlorethan |
| German Deutsch | Pentachlorethan |
| Estonian eesti | pentakloroetaan |
| Greek ελληνικά | πενταχλωροαιθάνιο |
| English English | pentachloroethane |
| French français | pentachloroéthane |
| Croatian hrvatski | pentakloretan |
| Italian italiano | pentacloroetano |
| Latvian latviešu | pentahloretāns |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | pentachloretanas |
| Hungarian magyar | pentaklóretán |
| Maltese Malti | pentakloroetan |
| Dutch Nederlands | pentachloorethaan |
| Polish polski | pentachloroetan |
| Portuguese português | pentacloroetano |
| Romanian română | pentacloroetan |
| Slovak slovenčina | pentachlóretán |
| Slovenian slovenščina | pentakloroetan |
| Finnish suomi | pentakloorietaani |
| Swedish svenska | pentakloretan |
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
Pentachloroethane GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Pentachloroethane, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Pentachloroethane
- Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
- Obtain special instructions before use.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF exposed or concerned:
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
- Collect spillage.
- Dispose of contents/container to …
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Pentachloroethane in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Pentachloroethane health hazards and exposure limits
Pentachloroethane hazard summary
A central nervous system depressant in acute animal studies; [HSDB] An eye and respiratory tract irritant; May cause CNS depression; Chronic exposure may cause impaired nervous system function; [ICSC] Overexposure may cause liver and kidney injury; [NTP] May cause irritation; Prolonged or repeated inhalation exposure may cause organ injury; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
Pentachloroethane carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of this bioassay, technical grade pentachloroethane containing 4.2% hexachloroethane (a known carcinogen in mice) was not carcinogenic in F344/N rats. The decreased survival of dosed rats might have reduced the sensitivity for a carcinogenic response in this species. Pentachloroethane was nephrotoxic to male rats. Technical grade pentachloroethane was carcinogenic for B6C3F1 mice, causing hepatocellular carcinomas in males and females, and adenomas in females.
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-232: Carcinogenesis Studies of Pentachloroethane (CASRN 76-01-7) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Study) (1983 )
Evaluation: No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of pentachloroethane were found. There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of pentachloroethane. Overall evaluation: Pentachloroethane is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
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.
Pentachloroethane occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | none | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | Handle with care in the workplace. See Appendix C (Chloroethanes) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | N.D. | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
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
Pentachloroethane 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.
Pentachloroethane boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 162 °C (323.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 161.11 °C (322 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 162.22 °C (324 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Pentachloroethane melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -28.78 °C (-19.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -28.89 °C (-20 °F) | NIOSH |
Pentachloroethane density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.68 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.6796 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.6728 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | CAMEO |
Pentachloroethane solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Miscible with ethanol, ether | HSDB | |
| Miscible in most common organic solvents | HSDB |
Pentachloroethane vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 3 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 3.4 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 3.5 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Pentachloroethane autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | May self-ignite. | HSDB |
Pentachloroethane lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Not flammable by standard tests in air. | HSDB | |
| Moderately explosive, by spontaneous chemical reaction. | HSDB | ||
| Vapors in confined areas may explode when exposed to fire. | HSDB |
Pentachloroethane vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 7 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 7.2 (air = 1) | CAMEO |
Pentachloroethane odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | It has a camphor-like odor. | HSDB |
Pentachloroethane corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | Dry pentachloroethane does not corrode iron; if it is stored over longer periods of time, however, the addition of amine stabilizers is recommended. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Pentachloroethane 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.
Pentachloroethane fire potential
MODERATE, WHEN EXPOSED TO HEAT OR FLAME.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Solubility
Wt per gallon at 20 °C = 14.00 lb; latent heat of vaporization at bp = 43.6 cal/g = 78.4 Btu/lb; acidity as HCl = 0.001% by wt, max; coefficient of cubical expansion Av/deg C, liquid = 0.0009097; solubility of water in solvent at 20 °C = 0.24 g water/100 g
Source: HSDB
Odor
It has a sweetish odor, not unlike chloroform. The threshold at which the odor is detected has not been determined, and therefore its value as a warning is not known.
Source: HSDB
10 · Handling and storage
Pentachloroethane storage and handling
Pentachloroethane safe storage
Separated from food and feedstuffs, strong bases and powdered metals. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Pentachloroethane storage conditions
Separated from food and feedstuffs, strong bases and powdered metals. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Pentachloroethane incompatible materials
Mixtures of sodium-potassium alloy & ... pentachloroethane can explode on standing at room temperature. They are especially sensitive to impact.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Pentachloroethane reactivity
A mixture of PENTACHLOROETHANE with potassium may explode after a short delay. Reaction with alkalis or metals will produce a violent reaction. This compound also reacts violently with NaK alloy + bromoform. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Pentachloroethane in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
Pentachloroethane UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
Pentachloroethane under UN 1669 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PENTACHLOROETHANE | 6.1 | T1 | II | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 6.1 is “Toxic substances” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentachloroethane | 6.1 | II | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 6.1 is “Poisonous materials” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
Pentachloroethane — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Pentachloroethane?
The CAS number of Pentachloroethane is 76-01-7. Its EC number is 200-925-1.
What is the chemical formula of Pentachloroethane?
The molecular formula of Pentachloroethane is C2HCl5 and its molecular weight is 202.3 g/mol.
What does a Pentachloroethane label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Pentachloroethane carries the pictograms Health hazard and Environment and the signal word is Danger.
Is Pentachloroethane flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns Pentachloroethane 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 Pentachloroethane a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI assigns Pentachloroethane H351 — suspected of causing cancer. That is category 2: the evidence points that way but is not conclusive. IARC places it in Group 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
What is the exposure limit for Pentachloroethane?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Pentachloroethane is none (The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)). 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 Pentachloroethane?
The boiling point reported for Pentachloroethane is 162 °C (323.6 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Pentachloroethane?
The melting point reported for Pentachloroethane is -28.78 °C (-19.8 °F) (HSDB).
How should Pentachloroethane be stored?
Separated from food and feedstuffs, strong bases and powdered metals. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to Pentachloroethane
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