Vinyl chloride

Vinyl chloride (CAS 75-01-4), also known as vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), is the primary feedstock for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production. It is one of the world's highest-volume thermoplastics. It functions as a reactive monomer that undergoes polymerization to form the polymer backbone used across construction, packaging, and industrial manufacturing. The dominant use is suspension and emulsion polymerization.

This process produces PVC resin, which is then compounded into rigid profiles, pipes, fittings, and window frames. Flexible PVC applications include wire insulation, flooring, and medical tubing. These applications rely on plasticized grades derived from VCM polymerization. Copolymerization with vinyl acetate or vinylidene chloride produces specialty resins used in coatings and adhesives.

These resins are also utilized in barrier packaging films. In industrial settings, VCM serves as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of chlorinated solvents and other downstream chlorine-based compounds. Vinyl chloride monomer is supplied as a liquefied gas under pressure, typically in bulk quantities via pipeline, rail tanker, or pressurized ISO containers. It is a large-volume commodity chemical.

Traded at industrial/technical grade, purity specifications are generally at 99.9% or higher as standard for polymerization-grade supply. Procurement is handled through long-term offtake agreements. These agreements or spot contracts are established with petrochemical producers. The material requires specialized handling and storage infrastructure due to its physical properties and industrial scale.