What is trichloroethane commonly used for?

Trichloroethane is primarily known for its use as a cleaner and degreaser of metals. This chemical has excellent solvent properties that enable it to effectively remove grease, oil, and other contaminants from metal surfaces. It is often utilized in industrial settings and during the manufacturing process to ensure that metal parts are clean and free of residual substances before further processing or assembly.

The other options, while they may involve substances that can act similarly in different contexts, do not represent the primary or most typical application of trichloroethane. For example, while it may have minor uses in specific formulations, it is not generally recognized for applications in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, or fuel additives. The significant historical dependence on trichloroethane for cleaning applications highlights its effectiveness in those roles.