murphyTrichloroethane
AKA: 1, 1-TRICHLOROETHANE, Methylchloroform, 71-55-6, Chlorothene, Cleanite, Inhibisol, Chlorothene NU, Chlorothene VG, Aerothene TT, Alpha-T
Synthetic
Solvent
Not Clean
OriginDerived from chlorinated hydrocarbons, specifically ethane treated with chlorine gas to produce a chlorinated alkane compound. Synthesized through chlorination of ethane via free radical substitution reactions catalyzed by heat or ultraviolet light exposure.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
No
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
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
No
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 2 irritating / 1 mixed / reactions slight (CIR 364)
Eye Irritant in Testing
5 studies / 5 irritating / reactions slight to mild (CIR 364)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR