Chloroethylene

Chloroethylene, more commonly known as vinyl chloride, is a halogenated hydrocarbon with the formula C2H3Cl. It exists as a colorless, flammable gas at ambient conditions and is the principal monomer used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

In terms of structure, it is the ethene (ethylenic) skeleton with one hydrogen replaced by a chlorine atom, giving CH2=CHCl. Vinyl chloride readily undergoes free-radical polymerization to form PVC, and stabilized grades are used to produce a wide range of plastic products.

Industrial production typically involves the dehydrochlorination of ethylene dichloride (1,2-dichloroethane) at high temperature, yielding vinyl chloride and hydrogen chloride. This monomer is usually handled as a gas under pressure and stored in steel reactors and cylinders with safety systems to control polymerization.

Uses include manufacturing of PVC resins and polymers for pipes, electrical insulation, flooring, and packaging materials. PVC is highly versatile and accounts for a large share of vinyl chloride production globally. The process requires inhibitor additives to prevent undesired polymerization during handling.

Chloroethylene is toxic and a probable or known human carcinogen; long-term exposure is associated with an elevated risk of hepatic angiosarcoma and other adverse health effects. Acute exposure causes central nervous system depression and may be fatal. It is regulated to limit environmental releases, and occupational exposure limits apply.