Definition of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) (Cl3CCH3)

1. a poisonous, nonflammable, irritating liquid solvent. This compound is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and ether. In a low purity, stabilized grade, this material is used to clean parts. In a purer form, it is used as a source of volatile chloride in some high temperature processes, such as oxidation. [SEMATECH]