1,1,1‐trichloroethane was evaluated for its effects on the delayed match‐to‐sample discrimination task in juvenile baboons. Acute 4‐h exposures to 700, 1400, 1800, and 2100 ppm were conducted no more frequently than once a week. Three months later a subchronic exposure to 1200 ppm was conducted over a 7‐d period in the same animals. The effects on accuracy of responding were minimal; however, 1,1,1‐trichloroethane reduced the number of trials attempted by the animals, reduced the number of extra inconsequential responses during the delay intervals, and increased reaction times. The findings of these experiments illustrate the usefulness of the young baboon as a primate human surrogate model for testing this type of central nervous system depressant.