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Shelf life of Trichloroethane?

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November 10, 2023, 04:26 PM
Schmelby
Shelf life of Trichloroethane?
Google turned up nothing on shelf life. Banned in 1997.
I still have a couple gallons, 25-30 years old stored in a metal gas can.
I know it's toxic, haven't used it in years. Is it safe to keep or should I
turn it for disposal? Best degreaser I ever used.
November 10, 2023, 04:39 PM
flesheatingvirus
I'd get rid of it. From my recollection, it was usually doped with under 10% added stabilizers to keep it from degrading and becoming acidic, which could be an issue in a metal container.

It can break down to make some nasty stuff like phosgene and eventually hydrochloric acid.

While a pristine lot of the stuff, stored well sealed in an appropriate container, may still be good, are you willing to bet on your stuff?


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-- Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. --
November 10, 2023, 04:55 PM
Schmelby
Thanks. I would like to keep my old gas can.
would it be safe to put in plastic jugs to take for disposal?
November 10, 2023, 06:20 PM
flesheatingvirus
Depends on the plastic. Teflon is ok, HDPE and PP may be ok temporarily. Do a spot check to see if there is any immediate reaction (like dissolution!)


________________________________________

-- Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. --