1,1,1, Trichloroethane 

Chemical Formula:
C₂H₃Cl₃

Synonyms:
Methyl Chloroform

Common Trade Names: 

Chlorothene - Dow Chemical Company

Baltane - Atochem

Properties:
Colourless liquid, insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and ether.
No flash point. Non-flammable.

Hazard:
Irritant to eyes and tissue, TLV: 200 ppm in air.

Material Safety Data for 1.1.1. Trichloroethane

Uses:
Solvent for vapour and cold cleaning of precision components prior to further processes such as plating or painting, PCB defluxing.

The product ceased manufacture in the latter part of 1995 as it was to be phased out under the Montreal Protocols on Ozone Depletion as it was alleged to damage the Earth's Ozone layer.

The withdrawal of this product has posed problems for engineering users who used it for the cold cleaning of precision components as it was moderately volatile, left no residue on evaporation and was safer to use than the other volatile solvents commonly in use for small parts cleaning on the bench. As the product was non-flammable it replaced solvents such as Acetone, M.E.K. and I.P.A. all of which have a flashpoint.

This product is no longer offered by ETM as use is being banned, however, we would be pleased to quote for the supply the best alternative which should be considered as the "drop in replacement" for this product.