monochloroethylene

Monochloroethylene, also known as vinyl chloride, is an organochlorine compound with the chemical formula C2H3Cl. It is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure, and it has a faint sweet odor. Monochloroethylene is a highly flammable gas and can form explosive mixtures with air. It is produced industrially on a large scale, primarily as a precursor for the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a widely used plastic.

The primary method for producing monochloroethylene is the oxychlorination of ethylene, which involves reacting ethylene with hydrogen chloride and oxygen. Another method is the direct chlorination of ethylene followed by thermal cracking of the resulting dichloroethane. Monochloroethylene is a volatile organic compound and can persist in the environment.

Exposure to monochloroethylene can occur through inhalation or skin contact. In occupational settings, workers involved in its production or processing are at the highest risk of exposure. Monochloroethylene is classified as a human carcinogen by several health organizations, primarily linked to an increased risk of liver cancer. It can also cause other health effects, including central nervous system depression, liver damage, and skin irritation. Due to its hazardous nature, strict safety regulations and exposure limits are in place for its handling and use.