National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

1,2-Dichloroethane: Overview

Description

1,2-dichloroethane is used to make vinyl chloride, and chlorinated solvents (trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and vinylidene). The solvents are used to remove grease, resins, glue and dirt. It is used as a solvent in the manufacture of polystyrene and SBR latex. It is added to leaded petrol as an anti-knock compound.

Substance details

Substance name: 1,2-dichloroethane

CASR number: 107-06-2

Molecular formula: C2H4Cl2

Synonyms: Ethylene dichloride; Ethylene chloride; glycol dichloride; Freon 150; Dutch liquid; Dutch oil; 1,2-Ethylidene dichloride; Ethane dichloride; 1,2- Ethylene dichloride; alpha, beta-dichloride; 2-dichloroethane dichlor-1,2-ethane; dichloroethylene

Physical properties

1,2-dichloroethane is a clear, thick liquid that has a pleasant odour.

Melting Point: -35.3°C

Boiling Point: 83.5°C

Specific Gravity: 1.253

Vapour Density: 3.4

Flashpoint Point: 13°C

Chemical properties

1,2-dichloroethane is volatile at room temperature. It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in most organic solvents.

Further information

The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of 1,2-dichloroethane emissions in Australia.

Key

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist