Trichloroethene, TRI

Another route to TRI starts from 1,2-dichlorethane, which is chlorinated-dehydro-chlorinated in a fluidized bed reactor at temperatures between 200 - 500 C in the presence of a catalyst. 

The reaction gases are separated and purified by distillation and azeotropic distillation. 

Uses The major use for TRI is as a solvent for degreasing in the metal industry. Before use it is stabilized with acid acceptors such as amines, alcohols, epoxides and metal stabilizers. It is used also for degreasing in the textile industry, as an extractant, in solvent formulations for rubbers, paintstrippers and in paints, as intermediate for the production of dyes, colors, of fluorochloro-hydrocarbons and of fluoro-hydrocar-bons. 

TRI has no ozone depletion potential and no global warming potential, the toxicity is comparatively low. TRI is not suspected as a human carcinogen [365]. 

Before 1986 the degreasing of metals was performed in open systems without recycling of used solvent. Nowadays, closed systems for production, transport and application are applied, which prevent emissions. Spent solvents are recycled to the manufacturer, worked up and reused. 

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Trichloroethene ( Tri-Clene , bp 87°) is a widely used dry-cleaning solvent. It can be prepared from either ethene or ethyne ... 

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