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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division

Dense Nonaqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPLs)

Chemistry and Behavior

Halogenated Alkanes

Ethanes

Table 1 presents common physical/chemical properties of the profiled halogenated ethanes. All of these chemicals are expected to be highly mobile in the subsurface. None of the halogenated ethanes are expected to bioaccumulate. All of the halogenated ethanes are subject to anaerobic biodegradation. 1,2-Dichloroethane, ethylene dibromide, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane are also biodegradable in an aerobic environment (Cohen and Mercer 1993).

Table 1.
Common Physical/Chemical Properties of Selected Halogenated Ethanes
Chemical Specific Gravity (g/cc) Solubility (mg/L) Vapor Pressure (mmHg) Henry's Constant (atm-m3/mol) Log Kow Log Koc
1,1-Dichloroethane 1.176 5,500 230 4.2 e-02 1.76 1.79
1,2-Dichloroethane 1.235 8,690 70.1 1.1 e-03 1.28-1.62 1.48
Ethylene Dibromide 2.179 4,000 11 6.5 e-04 1.64 1.76
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 1.6 2,800 4.62 3.67-4.55 e-04 2.07 2.39
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 1.339 1,500 124 6.3 e-03 2.03 2.49
1,1,2-Trichlorotrifluoroethane 1.56 170 363 3.33 e-01 2.59 2.57

For references and temperatures see individual chemical profiles

For Further Information

DNAPL Site EvaluationAdobe PDF Logo
Cohen, R. and J. Mercer. EPA 600-R-93-022, 369 pp, 1993