Trichloroethane
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 1, 1-TRICHLOROETHANE, Methylchloroform, 71-55-6, Chlorothene, Cleanite, Inhibisol, Chlorothene NU, Chlorothene VG, Aerothene TT, Alpha-T
Synthetic
Solvent
Not Clean
1,1,1-Trichloroethane; Methyl chloroform
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C2H3Cl3
Mol. Weight
133.40
CAS #
71-55-6
Form
Liquid
State
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. Nonflammabl
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Dissolves Ingredients
Fights Bacteria
Locks In Moisture
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
A synthetic solvent developed in the early 20th century. Used in cosmetics and personal care products from the 1950s-1970s as a propellant and solvent before being phased out due to ozone layer concerns.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
No
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR