vinüülkloriidiks

Vinyl chloride, also known as chloroethene, is an organochlorine compound with the chemical formula C2H3Cl. It is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure, with a faint sweet odor. Vinyl chloride is a highly flammable substance and is considered a hazardous air pollutant. Its primary use is in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a versatile plastic used in a wide range of applications including pipes, window frames, flooring, and electrical cable insulation.

The industrial production of vinyl chloride typically involves the dehydrochlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane, which is itself produced by the direct chlorination or oxychlorination of ethylene. The process requires careful control of temperature and pressure to ensure efficient conversion and minimize by-product formation.

Exposure to vinyl chloride can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. In industrial settings, strict safety measures are in place to limit worker exposure. Historically, vinyl chloride was used in aerosol propellants and as a refrigerant, but these uses have been largely discontinued due to health concerns.

Vinyl chloride is classified as a human carcinogen by several international health organizations, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of liver cancer (angiosarcoma) and other cancers. Due to its toxicity and environmental persistence, the release of vinyl chloride into the environment is strictly regulated. Its presence in consumer products is minimal due to its use as a monomer that is polymerized into PVC.