Nonchlorinated

Nonchlorinated is an adjective used to describe substances, mixtures, or processes that do not contain chlorine atoms or chlorine-containing functional groups. In chemical terminology, it contrasts with chlorinated compounds, which have one or more chlorine substituents in their molecular structure. The term is widely applied in contexts such as solvents, reagents, polymers, and environmental or industrial practices.

Examples of nonchlorinated solvents include many hydrocarbons and related compounds that lack chlorine, such as hexane, heptane, toluene, and xylene. Alcohols like ethanol and isopropanol, as well as many ethers and esters, are also nonchlorinated. In polymers, nonchlorinated materials include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, as well as polystyrene. By contrast, chlorinated polymers include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and related materials.

In industrial and environmental discussions, nonchlorinated formulations are often considered as alternatives to chlorinated options to reduce the potential for chlorine-related hazards or byproducts. For example, some formulations avoid chlorine to minimize the risk of producing chlorinated dioxins or other toxic byproducts during processing or disposal. However, nonchlorinated does not automatically imply safety or environmental superiority, as toxicity, persistence, and other hazards can still be present.

See also: chlorinated, chlorine-free.