Acetylene tetrachloride (Westron), CHCl₂·CHCl₂

It is as well called as sym. tetrachloroethane. It is made by the action of chlorine on acetylene in existence of a catalyst such as iron, ferric chloride, aluminium chloride, quartz or kieselguhr.

In nonexistence of catalyst, the reaction among chlorine and acetylene is extremely explosive producing HCl and carbon. The reaction is less / fewer violent in occurrence of a catalyst.

Acetylene tetrachloride is a heavy, non-inflammable liquid. It boils at 146°C. It is highly toxic in nature. Its smell is identical to chloroform. It is not soluble along with water but soluble in organic solvents.