1,1,2 Trichloroethylene (Triklone)

A good film cleaner but does have a slight detrimental effect on the film base by removing small quantities of the plasticiser. Also has a high level of toxicity. The vapour is heavier than air.

Causes drowsiness if inhaled so must be used under conditions of good ventilation. It will undergo slight decomposition if exposed to light or excessive heat for long periods, making it go yellow.

This is currently being proposed as one of the two alternatives to 1,1,1 TCE which will be phased out with the Montreal Protocol, but it's solubility to plasticisers will probably rule it out for future use.

It was thought that the base damage was caused by the stabilisers, which were added to this product for use in the metal industry and that if the stabilisers are removed the effect might disappear. However, other tests show that repeated cleaning does remove plasticiser and increase brittleness.