Vinüülkloriidmonomeer

Vinüülkloriidmonomeer, often abbreviated as VCM or vinyl chloride, is an organochlorine compound with the chemical formula C2H3Cl. It is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure, with a faint sweet odor. VCM is a highly flammable substance and is a precursor to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a widely used plastic.

The production of VCM primarily involves the dehydrochlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC). EDC itself is usually produced by the direct chlorination or oxychlorination of ethylene. These processes are carried out on a large industrial scale.

VCM is a critical building block for the plastics industry. Its main use is in the manufacture of PVC through a process called polymerization. PVC is a versatile material found in a vast array of products, including pipes, window frames, flooring, electrical cable insulation, and packaging films.

However, VCM is also recognized as a human carcinogen. Exposure to VCM, particularly through inhalation, has been linked to an increased risk of liver cancer and other cancers. Strict regulations and safety measures are in place in industrial settings where VCM is handled to minimize worker exposure and environmental release. Due to its hazardous nature, significant efforts have been made to reduce VCM emissions and develop safer handling and production methods.