Trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a carcinogenic halocarbon with the formula C₂HCl₃, commonly used as an industrial degreasing solvent. It is a clear, colourless non-flammable liquid with a chloroform-like pleasant and pungent smell. The IUPAC name is trichloroethene. Industrial abbreviations include TCE, trichlor, Trike, Tricky and tri. It should not be confused with the similar 1,1,1-trichloroethane, which is commonly known as chlorothene. It has been sold under a variety of trade names. Under the trade names Trimar and Trilene, trichloroethylene was used as a volatile anesthetic and as an inhaled obstetrical analgesic in millions of patients.

Groundwater and drinking water contamination from industrial discharge including trichloroethylene is a major concern for human health and has precipitated numerous incidents and lawsuits in the United States.