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1,2-Dichloroethene

1,2-Dichloroethene

IUPAC name	1,2-Dichloroethene
Other names	1,2-Dichloroethylene 1,2-DCE
Identifiers
CAS number	156-59-2 trans: 156-60-5 mix: 540-59-0&c=0&v= cis: 156-59-2 trans: 156-60-5 mix: 540-59-0
SMILES	cis: Cl/C=C\Cl trans: Cl/C=C/Cl
Properties
Molecular formula	C₂H₂Cl₂
Molar mass	96.95 g/mol
Density	cis: 1.28 g/cm³ trans: 1.26 g/cm³
Melting point	trans: -50 °C cis: -81 °C
Boiling point	trans: 47.5 °C cis: 60.3 °C
Dipole moment	trans: 0 D cis: 1.9 D
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

1,2-Dichloroethene, commonly called 1,2-dichloroethylene or 1,2-DCE, is an organochloride with the molecular formula C₂H₂Cl₂. It is a highly flammable, colorless liquid with a sharp, harsh odor. It can exist as either of two geometric isomers, cis-1,2-dichloroethene or trans-1,2-dichloroethene, but is often used as a mixture of the two. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, benzene, and chloroform.

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1,2-DCE is used as a solvent for waxes, resins, polymers, fats, and lacquers. It is also used as an intermediate in the preparation of other chlorinated solvents.

The major health effect of inhalation of vapors of 1,2-DCE is narcosis; it has been used in a combination with diethyl ether as an anesthetic. In high concentrations, exposure to 1,2-DCE causes central nervous system depression; in milder exposures, it can produce nausea, vomiting, weakness, tremor, epigastric cramps, burning of the eyes and vertigo.