What chemical formulation can be used as a solvent to remove ceramic
tile from a concrete floor without damaging the tiles or the concrete?
 I need to relocate a few tiles (which are impossible to replace) and
regular "chipping" techniques just result in broken tiles.  So I need
something to weaken or eliminate the bond between the tile and the
adhesive.  I think the adhesive used (two or three years ago) was a
mixture of Portland Cement and a binding polymer.  So I guess I'm
looking for something that disolves the polymer without damaging the
cement or ceramic tile (and can be used in an apartment building
without driving all the tenants into the streets due to deadly toxic
fumes).  I may be able to provide more specifics about the adhesive
late Monday, but for now I can say: it is light grey in color, it
adheres better to the concrete than the tiles, when it does seperate
from the concrete floor it comes off in large flakes that are
remarkably light weight.

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Clarification of Question by lance-ga on 30 Sep 2002 18:19 PDT

The adhesive is most probably Mapei Ultraflex (2 or 3) Thinset.

Hello Lance,

I wanted to let you know that I did research on this question for you
and have contacted tile setting experts with this question.

It appears it can not be done. There is no chemical to unbond Thinset.

The best suggestion was to remove the tiles AND an amount of the
concrete below them, then remove the concrete backing with careful use
of a wet saw. The concrete floor will be easy to repair. This assumes
that you can get access to the tiles you wish to remove. If they are
at the center of a group of tiles that can not be sacrificed, this
technique will be of no use to you.

I will post an answer if I hear anything more promising for you.

Regards,

-=clouseau=-