Substance profile
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
1,1,2-Trichloroethane is a clear, colorless liquid with a pleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What 1,1,2-Trichloroethane is
1,1,2-Trichloroethane is a clear, colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C2H3Cl3 and its molecular weight is 133.4 g/mol. It boils at 114 °C, melts at -35 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH066
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P308, P312, P313, P330, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,1,2-Trichloroethane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 113.89 °C (237 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 112.78 °C (235 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 114 °C (237.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -35 °C (-31 °F) | HSDB | |
| -36.67 °C (-34 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -37.22 °C (-35 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.44 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.4416 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.44 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with alcohol, ethers and many organic liquids | HSDB | |
| ... Soluble in water (4.50 g/L at 20 °C) | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 4,590 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 19 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 16.7 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 23 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 15.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 4.63 (air = 1) | CAMEO | |
| 4.6 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | It is reported to have an odor similar to chloroform, no quantitative data were found concerning odor or warning properties. | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.5 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 167.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Corrosivity | Uninhibited 1,1,2-trichloroethane is corrosive to aluminum, iron, and zinc at reflux temperatures. | HSDB | |
| 1,1,2-Trichloroethane is highly corrosive to aluminum, iron, and zinc. Addition of water increses the rate of corrosion. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials, aluminum, ammonia.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Although apparently stable on contact, mixtures of potassium (or its alloys) with wide range of halocarbons are shock-sensitive and may explode with great violence on light impact. ... Trichloroethane ... /was/ among those investigated.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
1,1,2-TRICHLOROETHANE is sensitive to light and heat. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases. Reacts violently with sodium, potassium, magnesium, and aluminum. Attacks some plastics, rubber and coatings. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,1,2-Trichloroethane in the storage compatibility matrix →