Vinyl chloride

Vinyl chloride is a chemical compound with the formula CH2CHCl or simply C2H3Cl. It is a molecule of ethylene where one hydrogen atom has been replaced by chlorine. It is a colorless gas at standard temperature and pressure.

Vinyl chloride is mostly used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the world's most common plastics. It is sometimes called vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) to clearly separate it from PVC.

Uses

The only major modern use of vinyl chloride is the production of polyvinyl chloride plastic.

Safety

Vinyl chloride is flammable and toxic.

Burning vinyl chloride mostly makes carbon dioxide, water, and hydrogen chloride gas. While the hydrogen chloride is the greatest danger from a vinyl chloride fire, it also releases some of the toxic gases carbon monoxide and phosgene.[1]

Sources

  1. ↑ O'Mara, M. M.; Grider, L. B.; Daniel, R. L. (1971). "Combustion Products from Vinyl Chloride Monomer". American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal. 32 (3): 153–156. doi:10.1080/0002889718506429. PMID 5551110.
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