UPSC Prelims 2006·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

Consider the following chemicals: 1. Benzene 2. Carbon tetrachloride 3. Sodium Carbonate 4. Trichloroethylene Which of the above is/are used as dry-cleaning chemicals?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A1 Only
  2. B2 Only
  3. C1, 2 and 4 OnlyCorrect
  4. D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

The correct answer is C because Benzene, Carbon tetrachloride, and Trichloroethylene have all been used as dry-cleaning chemicals. 1. Benzene: Was historically used as a dry-cleaning solvent, though its use has largely been discontinued due to its flammability and toxicity. 2. Carbon tetrachloride: Was a common non-flammable dry-cleaning solvent but its use has been phased out due to its toxicity and ozone-depleting properties. 3. Sodium Carbonate: This is washing soda, an alkaline salt used in traditional wet washing (laundry detergents) to soften water and aid cleaning. It is not a solvent for dry cleaning, which by definition uses non-water-based solvents. 4. Trichloroethylene: A chlorinated solvent that was used in dry cleaning, particularly for industrial applications, but its use has also declined due to health concerns. Therefore, 1, 2, and 4 are correct, making C the right option.
science-and-technology: Consider the following chemicals: 1. Benzene 2. Carbon tetrachloride 3. Sodium Carbonate 4. Trichloroethylene Which of t
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