1,1-Dichloroethane is a colorless, oily liquid with a sweet odor. It evaporates easily at room temperature and burns easily. It does not occur naturally in the environment.
In the past, 1,1-dichloroethane was used as a surgical anesthetic, but it is no longer used this way. Today it is used primarily to make other chemicals, to dissolve substances such as paint, varnish, and finish removers, and to remove grease.