vinyyliyksikkö

A vinyyliyksikkö, which translates to vinyl unit in English, is a fundamental building block in polymer chemistry. It refers to the monomer vinyl chloride, with the chemical formula C2H3Cl. This simple molecule consists of a two-carbon chain, where one carbon atom is double-bonded to the other, and one of the carbon atoms is bonded to a chlorine atom and two hydrogen atoms, while the other is bonded to two hydrogen atoms. The double bond in the vinyl group is highly reactive, allowing these monomers to link together in a process called polymerization to form long chains.

The most common polymer derived from vinyyliyksikkö is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). During polymerization, the double bond breaks, and the vinyl chloride monomers join end-to-end to create a repeating chain of -[CH2-CHCl]- units. PVC is a versatile plastic widely used in various applications, including construction (pipes, window frames, flooring), electrical insulation, packaging, and medical devices. The properties of PVC can be significantly modified by the addition of plasticizers and other additives, leading to a range of flexible and rigid materials. The term "vinyyliyksikkö" specifically denotes the individual monomer unit before it becomes part of a polymer chain.