CH2CHCl

CH2CHCl, commonly called vinyl chloride or ethenyl chloride, is a vinyl halide with the chemical formula C2H3Cl. Its structure is CH2=CHCl, reflecting a vinyl group bonded to a chlorine atom. It is a colorless gas at room temperature with a boiling point around −13.9 °C and a relatively high vapor pressure.

Production and supply methods: Vinyl chloride is produced industrially mainly by hydrochlorination of acetylene: C2H2 + HCl → C2H3Cl, typically on a bed containing catalysts such as mercuric chloride on activated carbon. An alternative route is the dehydrochlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane (ethylene dichloride): C2H4Cl2 → C2H3Cl + HCl. The monomer is often stabilized and purified before shipment because it readily undergoes polymerization.

Applications: The principal use of vinyl chloride is as the monomer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most widely produced plastics. PVC is formed by free-radical polymerization of vinyl chloride in bulk, suspension, or emulsion processes, frequently with inhibitors to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport.

Safety and handling: Vinyl chloride is a flammable gas and can form explosive mixtures with air. It is also considered a human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). Exposure limits and strict safety controls apply in production and use, including closed systems, adequate ventilation, leak detection, and vapor recovery to minimize releases.

Environmental and storage notes: As a volatile organic compound, vinyl chloride is managed to prevent air releases and exposure. In storage, inhibitors are used to prevent runaway polymerization of the monomer.