Which one of the following chemical agent is not being used for dry cleaning of clothes ?
(a) H2O2
(

Q: Why is $CCl_4$ considered so dangerous?

$CCl_4$ is highly toxic to the liver and kidneys, acts as a central nervous system depressant, and is a known carcinogen. It also depletes the ozone layer.

Q: Isn't Tetrachloroethene ($C_2Cl_4$) also harmful?

Yes, it is a suspected carcinogen and can contaminate groundwater. That's why the industry is actively shifting towards greener alternatives like liquid $CO_2$, though $C_2Cl_4$ is still in use.

Q: How does liquid $CO_2$ clean clothes?

Under high pressure, $CO_2$ becomes a liquid and acts as a non-polar solvent. When combined with specific detergents, it effectively dissolves oils and dirt without leaving toxic residues.

Q: Is $H_2O_2$ used for dry cleaning?

No, $H_2O_2$ is primarily used as a bleaching agent in traditional (wet) laundry to whiten clothes, replacing harmful chlorine gas.

Q: What is the main goal of Green Chemistry in this context?

The goal is to replace toxic, environmentally persistent solvents with safer, biodegradable, or easily recoverable alternatives that minimize harm to human health and the environment.

Question

Which one of the following chemical agent is not being used for dry cleaning of clothes ?

Options:

(A) $H_2O_2$

(B) $CCl_4$

(C) Liquid $CO_2$

(D) $Cl_2C=CCl_2$

Sigma Percentile · Accepted Answer

### The Evolution of Dry Cleaning Solvents: A Green Chemistry Perspective

When we drop off our clothes at the dry cleaner, we rarely think about the complex chemistry happening behind the scenes. Dry cleaning isn't actually "dry"—it simply uses chemical solvents instead of water to remove stains and dirt without damaging delicate fabrics. Over the decades, the choice of these solvents has evolved dramatically, driven by a growing understanding of their impact on human health and the environment.

### The Reign of Tetrachloroethene

Let's start with the industry standard: **Tetrachloroethene** ($Cl_2C=CCl_2$), commonly known as "perc". For a long time, this has been the go-to solvent for dry cleaning. It is incredibly effective at dissolving oils, greases, and waxes from fabrics.

However, perc is not without its flaws. It is a suspected carcinogen and can contaminate groundwater if not disposed of properly. Because of this, the industry has been actively searching for greener, safer alternatives.

### The Green Chemistry Revolution

Enter **Liquid Carbon Dioxide** ($CO_2$). This is a shining example of Green Chemistry in action. Under high pressure, $CO_2$ becomes a liquid and acts as a fantastic non-polar solvent. When combined with specific detergents, it cleans clothes effectively and, most importantly, leaves absolutely zero toxic residue. It is safe for the environment and safe for the workers.

Similarly, **Hydrogen Peroxide** ($H_2O_2$) has found its place in the laundry industry. While not a dry cleaning solvent per se, it is widely used as a powerful, eco-friendly bleaching agent in wet laundry, replacing harsh and environmentally damaging chlorine gas.

### The Fall of Carbon Tetrachloride

This brings us to the core of our question: **Carbon Tetrachloride** ($CCl_4$). Historically, $CCl_4$ was widely used as a dry cleaning solvent and a spot remover. It was highly effective, but the cost was far too high.

$CCl_4$ is severely toxic. It causes severe damage to the liver and kidneys, acts as a central nervous system depressant, and is a known human carcinogen. Furthermore, it has a tendency to corrode the very equipment used to clean the clothes. Due to these extreme health and safety hazards, $CCl_4$ has been completely banned and phased out of the dry cleaning industry.

Therefore, when asked which chemical is no longer used for dry cleaning, $CCl_4$ is the definitive answer. It serves as a historical reminder of why the principles of Green Chemistry are so vital today.

Animated Solution for Chemistry - Organic Chemistry: Which one of the following chemical agent is not being used for dry cleaning of clothes ?

Select Answer:

Visualized Solution

$A na l y z in g t h e O pt i o n s$

$T e t r a c h l or oe t h e n e (C_{2} C l_{4})$

$L i q u i d C a r b o n D i o x i d e (C O_{2})$

$H y d r o g e n P er o x i d e (H_{2} O_{2})$

$C a r b o n T e t r a c h l or i d e (C C l_{4})$

$C o n c l u s i o n$

The Sigma Insight: Haloalkanes & Haloarenes

The Evolution of Dry Cleaning Solvents

The Reign of Tetrachloroethene

The Green Chemistry Revolution

The Fall of Carbon Tetrachloride

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