CH2CFCH3

CH2CFCH3, also known as vinyl chloride or chloroethene, is a colorless, flammable gas with a faint, sweet odor. It is a member of the chloroalkene family, which includes other compounds with a similar structure but different halogen substitutions. Vinyl chloride is primarily used as a building block in the chemical industry to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a widely used plastic material.

The chemical formula CH2CFCH3 indicates that the molecule consists of two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and one chlorine atom. The carbon atoms are bonded together in a double bond, which is characteristic of alkenes. The chlorine atom is attached to one of the carbon atoms, replacing one of the hydrogen atoms in an ethene molecule.

Vinyl chloride is produced industrially through the chlorination of ethylene. This process involves the reaction of ethylene with chlorine gas in the presence of a catalyst. The resulting vinyl chloride is then purified and used in various applications.

Due to its potential health and environmental hazards, the use of vinyl chloride has been subject to regulation. Exposure to vinyl chloride can cause serious health issues, including liver and kidney damage, and it has been classified as a Group 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. As a result, the production and use of vinyl chloride have been restricted in many countries, and efforts are being made to find safer alternatives for its applications.