111-TRICHLOROETHANE

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Basic information

  • Chemical formula(s): \({\rm C_2H_3Cl_3}\), \({\rm CH_3CCl_3}\)
  • Other names: methyl chloroform, methyltrichloromethane, alpha-trichloroethane
  • CAS: 71-55-6
  • International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): 0079
  • Flammability: yes - requires considerable preheating
  • NOAA’s description: colourless liquid with a sweet, pleasant odour; may irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes, in high concentrations the vapours may have a narcotic effect; may decompose and emit toxic chloride fumes if exposed to high temperatures

NFPA 704 (fire diamond)

  • Health (blue): 2 - intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury.
  • Flammability (red): 1 - requires considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur. Flash point above 93.3 °C.
  • Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
  • Special notice (white): -

Hazard statements

Code Phrase
H332 harmful if inhaled
H420 harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere

Precautionary statements

Code Phrase
P261 avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray
P271 use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
P304+P312 IF INHALED: call the ETH Emergency Desk: +41 44 342 11 88 (from mobile) or 888 (from landline) if you feel unwell
P304+P340 IF INHALED: remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing
P312 call the ETH Emergency Desk: +41 44 342 11 88 (from mobile) or 888 (from landline) if you feel unwell
P502 refer to manufacturer or supplier for information on recovery or recycling

Protective measures

Gloves

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and OSHA Glove Selection Chart do not provide recommendation on gloves for handling 1,1,1-trichloroethane. California State University (CSU) categorizes gloves into four protection levels (excellent, good, fair, poor (not recommended)) for given chemical. The levels of protection against 1,1,1-trichloroethane for four types of gloves are:

  • Neoprene: N/A
  • Natural latex or rubber: poor (not recommended).
  • Buthyl: N/A
  • Nitrile: poor (not recommended).
  • CSU suggests using Viton gloves and classifies the provided protection as good.

Safety goggles

  • Always wear safety goggles when handling 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Corrective glasses are not considered safety googles.
  • Handle 1,1,1-trichloroethane inside the fume hood only (with exception of moving the closed bottle to and from the storage cabinet).

Clothing

  • Wear long trousers and fully covered shoes.
  • Contact lenses are forbidden while working with chemical substances, even in combination with safety glasses.
  • Do not wear cosmetics.
  • Do not wear synthetic clothing while working with flammable liquids or gases or when a hazard is present as these materials tend to melt and stick to exposed skin.
  • Do not wear headphones.

Spill management

  • Use personal protective equipment.
  • Avoid dust formation, avoid breathing dust.
  • Avoid breathing vapors or mist.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation.
  • Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
  • Sweep up without creating dust and arrange disposal.
  • Do not let it enter drain.
  • If a spill happened outside the fume hood (on the floor or desktop) contact Dr Jakub Tkaczuk (+41 44 632 31 62) and the ETH Emergency Desk (+41 44 342 11 88 from mobile or 888 from landline).