[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of tetrachloroethane, what are the hazards of tetrachloroethane to the human body

Properties of tetrachloroethane

Tetrachloroethane (C2H2Cl4) is a colorless, transparent liquid with a strong pungent odor. Its molecular structure is that two carbon atoms are connected by a single bond, and each carbon atom is connected to two chlorine atoms. Due to its high chlorine content, tetrachloroethane has a high density and boiling point of 1.59g/cm³ and 146°C, respectively. In terms of solubility, tetrachloroethane has a low solubility in water, but is well soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether and chloroform. Tetrachloroethane is a non-polar compound with strong volatility and low flammability.

Use of tetrachloroethane

Tetrachloroethane is mainly used in the organic synthesis industry and is an important intermediate in the manufacture of tetrachloroethylene (commonly known as perchloroethylene or carbon tetrachloride ethylene). Tetrachloroethylene is an important industrial solvent, which is widely used in dry cleaning agents, degreasing agents and metal cleaning agents. Tetrachloroethane can also be used as a raw material for the preparation of pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals and dyes. Tetrachloroethane is also used as an industrial cleaning agent and solvent because of its strong solubility. In some cases, it is also used in chemical analysis and laboratory reagents.

Tetrachloroethane upstream and downstream raw materials

Upstream raw materials

Tetrachloroethane is produced primarily by reacting ethylene with chlorine. This process is called chlorination, in which ethylene (C2H4) and chlorine (Cl2) react at elevated temperatures or in the presence of a catalyst to produce tetrachloroethane. The key conditions of this reaction are to control the reaction temperature and the concentration of chlorine gas to ensure that the tetrachloroethane produced is of high purity and few by-products.

Downstream Products

As an intermediate, tetrachloroethane can be further processed into a variety of products. The most important downstream product is tetrachloroethylene, which is cracked at high temperature to produce tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4) and hydrogen chloride (HCl). Tetrachloroethane can also be used to produce other chlorinated organic compounds, such as hexachloroethane and some chlorofluorocarbons, which are widely used in pesticides, pharmaceuticals and other fine chemicals.

Tetrachloroethane Storage Method

Tetrachloroethane requires special storage and handling due to its chemical properties. Tetrachloroethane should be stored in a well-sealed, light-tight container to prevent volatilization and decomposition. The storage environment should be kept dry, cool and well ventilated, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature. Tetrachloroethane reacts easily with certain metals (e. g. aluminum, magnesium), so the storage container should be made of a corrosion-resistant material such as glass, enamel or steel coated with a corrosion-resistant coating. Tetrachloroethane also has certain toxicity and irritation. Protective equipment should be worn during storage and operation, and ensure that the work area has a good ventilation system to prevent inhalation of high-concentration vapors.

Environmental and safety considerations

Due to the toxicity and environmental hazards of tetrachloroethane, its use and disposal are strictly regulated. Tetrachloroethane has a polluting effect on water and soil, and once leaked, it will have a long-term negative impact on the environment. Therefore, industrial facilities that use tetrachloroethane must install effective exhaust gas treatment devices and wastewater treatment systems to reduce their emissions. Safety operation regulations shall be strictly observed during production and use to prevent leakage and accidents. In the event of a spill, emergency measures should be taken immediately to prevent spread and pollution, and environmental remediation should be carried out.

Market and Economic Analysis

The demand of tetrachloroethane market mainly comes from the demand of downstream products, such as tetrachloroethylene and various pesticides and pharmaceutical intermediates. With the development of global industry and agriculture, the demand for tetrachloroethane is expected to maintain a steady growth. With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the development of green chemistry, there may be more alternatives in the future, which will have a certain impact on the market demand for tetrachloroethane. Tetrachloroethane production enterprises need to continuously improve the production process, improve product quality and environmental protection level, in order to cope with changes in the market and regulations.

Summary

As an important chemical raw material, tetrachloroethane has a wide range of applications and market prospects. Its production process relies on upstream ethylene and chlorine, while downstream products cover a wide range of important industrial and agricultural chemicals. In the process of storage and use, safety and environmental protection regulations must be strictly observed to reduce its harm to the environment and human health. With the advancement of technology and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the production and application of tetrachloroethane will continue to optimize and improve, and contribute to the development of the chemical industry.