1,1,1-Trichloroethane

  • Methylchloroform
  • Chlorothene
  • Methyltrichloromethane
  • alpha-Trichloroethane
Formula CH3CCl3
Structure
Description Clear, colorless liquid with a mild chloroform-like odor.
Uses Solvent.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 71-55-6
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 200-756-3
EC Index Number 602-013-00-2
EC Class Harmful; Dangerous for the Environment
RTECS KJ2975000
RTECS class Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Tumorigen; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data; Primary Irritant
UN (DOT) 2831
Merck 12,9766
Beilstein/Gmelin 1731614
Beilstein Reference 4-01-00-00138
RCRA U226
EPA OPP 81201
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-2061
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Japan ENCS (MITI) Listed
Korea ECL Listed

Odor Threshold Odor threshold 44 ppm
Properties.
Formula C2H3Cl3
Formula mass 133.4
Melting point, °C -32.5
Boiling point, °C 74
Vapor pressure, mmHg 100 (20 C)
Vapor density (air=1) 4.63
Evaporization number 12.8 (butyl acetate=1)
Critical temperature 311
Critical pressure 44.36
Density 1.31 g/cm3 (20 C)
Solubility in water 4.4 mg/L (20 C)
Viscosity 0.72 cp (30 C)
Surface tension 25.67 g/s2 (21 C)
Refractive index 1.43838 (20 C)
Dipole moment 1.81 D (25 C)
Dielectric constant 7.33 (20 C)
Partition coefficient, pKow 2.49
Heat of fusion 4.5 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization 32.5 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion -1442 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Do not store in aluminum containers.
WHMIS D1B D2B
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use only in a well ventilated area. Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist, or gas. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Do not ingest or inhale.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators Wear a supplied air, full-facepiece respirator, airlined hood, or full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus. Breathing air quality must meet the requirements of the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29CFR1910.134). This substance has questionable warning properties. Where respirators are required, you must have a written program covering the basic requirements in the OSHA respirator standard. These include training, fit testing, medical approval, cleaning, maintenance, cartridge change schedules, etc. See 29CFR1910.134 for details.
Small spills/leaks Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Absorb spill using an absorbent, non-combustible material such as earth, sand, or vermiculite. Provide ventilation.
Stability Requires inhibitor content to prevent corrosion of metals. Slowly hydrolyzes in water to form hydrochloric and acetic acid.
Incompatibilities Metals, strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, active metals, aluminum, halocarbons, liquid oxygen, magnesium, sodium hydroxide, potassium, sodium, caustics, hydrochloric acid, water, nitrogen tetroxide, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, aluminum oxide + heavy metals.
Decomposition Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.

Fire.
Flash Point,°C -1
Autoignition, °C 500
Upper exp. limit, % 16.0
Lower exp. limit, % 7.0
Fire fighting Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Water runoff can cause environmental damage. Dike and collect water used to fight fire. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Extinguishing media: Use extinguishing media most appropriate for the surrounding fire. In case of fire, use water fog, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or regular foam.
Fire potential Slightly flammable at higher temperatures. Inhibited trichloroethanes have been found to have explosive limits, but ignition requires a high energy source. Once the source is removed, the vapor will continue to burn.
Hazards Air/vapor mixtures may explode when ignited. Container may explode in heat of fire.
Combustion products Toxic and irritating gases are generated in fires.
NFPA Health 2
  Flammability 1  
  Reactivity 0  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) OSHA PEL: TWA 350 ppm (1900 mg/m3) NIOSH REL: C 350 ppm (1900 mg/m3) 15-minute See Appendix C (Chloroethanes) NIOSH IDLH: 700 ppm
Poison_Class 5
Exposure effects Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause defatting and dermatitis. May cause fetal effects. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects. Prolonged exposure may cause liver, kidney, and heart damage.
   Ingestion Harmful if swallowed. Symptoms similar to inhalation will occur along with nausea, vomiting. Aspiration of material into the lungs can cause chemical pneumonitis which can be fatal. If aspirated, may be rapidly absorbed through the lungs and result in injury to other body systems.
   Inhalation Inhalation of vapors will irritate the respiratory tract. Affects the central nervous system. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea. Higher levels of exposure (> 5000 ppm) can cause irregular heart beat, kidney and liver damage, fall in blood pressure, unconsciousness and even death.
   Skin Causes mild irritation and redness, especially on prolonged contact. Repeated contact may cause drying or flaking of the skin. May be absorbed through the skin.
   Eyes Liquid and vapor cause irritation. Symptoms include tearing, redness, stinging, swelling.

First aid
 
   Ingestion Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
   Inhalation Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.
   Skin Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
   Eyes Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.

Transport.
UN number 2831
Response guide 160
Hazard class 6.1
Packing Group III  
USCG CHRIS Code TCE  
USCG Compatatibility Group 36 Halogenated hydrocarbons
Std. Transport # 4925182  
IMO Chemical Code 17
IMO Pollution Category C
IMO Hazard code P