Chlorethen

Chlorethen, also known as chloroethene or vinyl chloride, is a chemical compound with the formula C2H3Cl. It is a colorless, highly volatile gas at room temperature and is flammable. It is a vinyl halide consisting of a vinyl group attached to a chlorine atom.

As an alkene, chlorethen readily undergoes polymerization, producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and related polymers. The monomer is essential in the plastics industry due to PVC's versatility and wide range of applications.

Industrial production is dominated by the chlorination of ethylene to give 1,2-dichloroethane (ethylene dichloride), followed by dehydrochlorination to vinyl chloride. The overall process yields the monomer used for polymerization. Alternative older routes included hydrochlorination of acetylene, but the ethylene-based route is now the predominant method.

Uses: The primary use of chlorethen is as the monomer for polyvinyl chloride, a widely used plastic found in piping, packaging, electrical insulation, and construction materials. It is also used to make copolymers and other chlorinated polymers through controlled polymerization.

Safety and environment: Vinyl chloride is a human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). Acute exposure can cause dizziness and neurological symptoms; long-term exposure is associated with liver cancer. It is a flammable volatile organic compound and requires careful handling, storage with polymerization inhibitors, and monitoring under industry regulation. Environmental concerns include release during production and transport, with standards in place to minimize emissions and exposure.