1,1,1-Trichloroethane

1Identification

Name

1,1,1-Trichloroethane

IUPAC name

1,1,1-trichloroethane

CAS number

71-55-6

EC number

200-756-3

Molecular formula

C2H3Cl3

Molecular weight

133.4 g/mol

InChIKey

UOCLXMDMGBRAIB-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CC(Cl)(Cl)Cl

PubChem CID

6278

Synonyms

1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE, Methylchloroform, Chlorothene, Cleanite, Inhibisol, Chlorothene NU, Chlorothene VG, Aerothene TT, alpha-T, Methyl chloroform, Chlorotene, Chlorten, Solvent 111, Genklene LB

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Trichloroethane
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Methyl chloroform is used as a solvent and degreasing agent in industry. It is an ingredient in consumer products such as household cleaners, glues, and aerosol sprays. Methyl chloroform is also used as a chemical intermediate in the production of vinylidene chloride. It was formerly used as a food and grain fumigant.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Used for degreasing, cleaning, and thinning; [LaDou, p. 552] Used in photography (film cleaner); [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html] Used as a solvent for natural and synthetic resins, oils, waxes, tar, alkaloids, adhesives, coatings, photoresist polymers, textile dyeing, and extractions, as dry cleaning agent, for cleaning metal, plastic molds, electrical equipment, motors, electronic components and instruments, missile hardware, paint masks, photographic film, printed circuit boards, and certain plastics components, in textile processing, metal cutting oils, inks, drain cleaners, aerosols, vapor degreasing, as chemical intermediate, and pesticide;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Chemical Classes -> Volatile organic compounds · Food Additives -> EXTRACTION_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Cosmetics -> Solvent

Description

• 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is a synthetic chemical that does not occur naturally in the environment. It also is known as methylchloroform, methyltrichloromethane, trichloromethylmethane, and trichloromethane. Its registered trade names are chloroethene NU® and Aerothene TT®.</p No 1,1,1-trichloroethane is supposed to be manufactured for domestic use in the United States after January 1, 2002 because it affects the ozone layer. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane had many industrial and household uses, including use as a solvent to dissolve other substances, such as glues and paints; to remove oil or grease from manufactured metal parts;
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• 1,1,1-Trichloroethane can cause cancer according to California Labor Code.
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• 1,1,1-trichloroethane appears as a colorless liquid with a sweet, pleasant odor. May irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. In high concentrations the vapors may have a narcotic effect. Nonflammable, but may decompose and emit toxic chloride fumes if exposed to high temperatures. Used as a solvent.
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

8 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• INHALATION: symptoms range from loss of equilibrium and incoordination to loss of consciousness; high concentration can be fatal due to simple asphyxiation combined with loss of consciousness. INGESTION: produces effects similar to inhalation and may cause some feeling of nausea. EYES: slightly irritating and lachrymatory. SKIN: defatting action may cause dermatitis. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Toxic by ingestion. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful. · Contact may irritate or burn skin and eyes. · Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic and irritating gases are generated in fires. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily. · Most vapors are heavier than air. · Air/vapor mixtures may explode when ignited. · Container may explode in heat of fire.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Combustible under specific conditions. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is a synthetic chemical that does not occur naturally in the environment. It also is known as methylchloroform, methyltrichloromethane, trichloromethylmethane, and trichloromethane. Its registered trade names are chloroethene NU® and Aerothene TT®.</p No 1,1,1-trichloroethane is supposed to be manufactured for domestic use in the United States after January 1, 2002 because it affects the ozone layer. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane had many industrial and household uses, including use as a solvent to dissolve other substances, such as glues and paints; to remove oil or grease from manufactured metal parts;
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Methyl chloroform is used as a solvent and in many consumer products. Effects reported in humans due to acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to methyl chloroform include hypotension, mild hepatic effects, and central nervous system (CNS) depression. Cardiac arrhythmia and respiratory arrest may result from the depression of the CNS. Symptoms of acute inhalation exposure include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness, and decreased blood pressure in humans. After chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure to methyl chloroform, some liver damage was observed in mice and ventricular arrhythmias in humans.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Soap wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Nausea. Incoordination. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Dry skin. Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• DRY CHEMICAL, FOAM, OR CARBON DIOXIDE
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material involved in fire: Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.). Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surrounding fire. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• When heated to decomposition, it emits irritating gases and toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride gas, chlorine, and phosgene.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 160 [Halogenated Solvents]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Environmental considerations: land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commmercial sorbents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations: water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Use natural deep water pockets, excavated lagoons, or sand bag barriers to trap material at bottom. Remove trapped material with suction hoses.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Absorb on paper and evaporate on a glass dish in hood. Burn the paper.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from food and feedstuffs, strong oxidants, aluminium, magnesium and zinc. Cool. Dry. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Storage temp: Ambient; Venting: Pressure-vacuum.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Protection from moisture be provided for bulk storage, and do not store in aluminum containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials, ammonia, and active metals, such as aluminum.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Methyl chloroform: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Org vapor-acid gas canister; self-contained breathing apparatus for emergencies; neoprene or polyvinyl-alcohol-type gloves; chemical safety goggles & face shield; neoprene safety shoes (or leather safety shoes plus neoprene footwear); neoprene or polyvinyl alcohol suit or aprons for splash protection.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The permeation rates of solvents including 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1- or 1,1,2- trichloroethane through protective garment rubber materials are less than 6.36 min/ml, except for unwrinkled Teflon and Viton with greater than 720 and 82 to greater than 144 min/ml, respectively.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH/OSHA Up to 700 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator* (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mount…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE decomposes in the presence of chemically active metals. This includes aluminum, magnesium and their alloys. It will react violently with dinitrogen tetraoxide, oxygen, liquid oxygen, sodium and sodium-potassium alloys. It will also react violently with acetone, zinc and nitrates. It can react with sodium hydroxide. It is incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong bases. Mixtures with potassium or its alloys are shock-sensitive and may explode on light impact. This chemical can react with an aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide, and with chlorine in sunlight. It will attack some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water. Absorbs some water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Reacts slowly with water, releasing corrosive hydrochloric acid.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Although apparently stable on contact, mixtures with potassium (or its alloys) with a wide range of halocarbons /including trichloroethane/ are shock-sensitive and may explode with great violence on light impact. ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Violent decomp, with evolution of hydrogen chloride, may occur when /it/ ... comes into contact with aluminum or its alloys with magnesium.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Body Weight, Hepatic (Liver), Neurological (Nervous System)
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Hepatic Nervous
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes, respiratory tract and skin. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in lowering of consciousness. Exposure at high levels could cause cardiac dysrhythmia.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste numbers U226 and F002, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Trichloroethane is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. Incineration, preferably after mixing with another combustible fuel; care must be exercised to assure complete combustion to prevent the formation of phosgene. An acid scrubber is necessary to remove the halo acids produced. /Trichloroethane/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• A potential candidate for liquid injection incineration at a temperature range of 650 to 1,600 °C and a residence time of 0.1 to 2 seconds. A potential candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. A potential candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2831

Shipping name

• UN 2831; 1,1,1-Trichloroethane
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 6.1; 1,1,1-Trichloroethane.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• 1,1,1-Trichloroethane
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN2831
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Div 6.1 Poisonous materials (49 eCFR § 173.132)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Poison
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2831 160
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is produced, as an intermediate or final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer saftey standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Chlorinated ethanes/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is included on this list. Effective date 10/04/82; Sunset date 10/04/92.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U226; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when methyl chloroform, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 6278 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.