Vinyl chloride
CAS Number
75-01-4
EC Number
200-831-0
Industries: Plastics & Polymers
What is Vinyl chloride?
Vinyl chloride (CAS 75-01-4), also known as vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), is the primary feedstock for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production.
Where is Vinyl chloride used?
- Construction: rigid profiles, pipes, fittings, window frames
- Packaging: barrier films
- Wire insulation, flooring and medical tubing from plasticized grades
- Coatings and adhesives via copolymerization with vinyl acetate or vinylidene chloride
- It serves as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of chlorinated solvents and other downstream chlorine-based compounds.
Good to know: Traded at industrial/technical grade, purity specifications are generally at 99.9% or higher as standard for polymerization-grade supply. Requires specialized handling and storage infrastructure due to its physical properties and industrial scale.
Commercial specifications
- Purity: 99.9% or higher for polymerization-grade supply
- Procurement through long-term offtake agreements or spot contracts with petrochemical producers
Other Names (Synonyms)
vinyl chloride monomer|monovinyl chloride|ethylene monochloride|VCM|Ethene, chloro-|Ethylene, chloro-|Vinyl C monomer
What are the physical properties of Vinyl chloride?
Melting Point -153.7 °C
Boiling Point -13.3 °C
Density 0.9106 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point -78 °F
Appearance Vinyl chloride is a flammable gas at room temperature, and is usually encountered as a cooled liquid. The colorless liquid forms a vapor which has a pleasant, ethereal odor. The odor threshold is variously given as 260 ppm, 3,000 ppm (NJ fact sheet), 4000 ppm (NY fact sheet) in air and 3.4 ppm in water (EPA Toxicological profile). Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.
Form powder
Water Solubility <1.1g/L(25 ºC)
Vapor Pressure 3,428 at 30 °C (quoted, Standen, 1964)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.3700(lit.)
How is Vinyl chloride classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS08· Health Hazard GHS04· Compressed Gas GHS07· Irritant
Hazard Statements
H220 Extremely flammable gas
H280 Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
H315 Causes skin irritation
H320 Causes eye irritation
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P222 Do not allow contact with air.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Vinyl chloride?
HS Code 29032100
UN Number 1086
ADR Class 2.1
Storage Class 3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany) 2