Vinylkloridilla

Vinylkloridilla is the Finnish word for vinyl chloride. Vinyl chloride (CH2=CHCl) is an organochlorine compound, a colorless gas with a faint sweet odor, that is highly flammable. It is primarily used as a precursor in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a common plastic. It is also used to make other vinyl polymers and copolymers.

The production of vinyl chloride is a large-scale industrial process. The most common method involves the direct chlorination of ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane, followed by thermal cracking to yield vinyl chloride monomer and hydrogen chloride. The hydrogen chloride is often recycled back into the process.

Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen. Exposure can occur through inhalation and is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, specifically angiosarcoma. Due to its hazardous nature, strict regulations are in place in many countries regarding its production, handling, and use to minimize occupational and environmental exposure. Workplace exposure limits are set to protect workers.

Historically, vinyl chloride was also used as a refrigerant and in some aerosol propellants, but these uses have largely been discontinued due to health concerns. The vast majority of its production is dedicated to the manufacturing of PVC, which finds widespread applications in construction (pipes, window frames, flooring), automotive parts, electrical insulation, and packaging.