Vinyl chloride
CAS 75-01-4
EC 200-831-0
Formula C2H3Cl
MW 62.5 g/mol
Monomers & Building Blocks Plastics & Polymers Polymerization Initiation
Description
Vinyl chloride (CAS 75-01-4, EC 200-831-0), also known as VCM or chlorethene, is a gaseous organochlorine monomer with the molecular formula C2H3Cl. It carries no E-code designation and is classified under HS code 29032100. It is the primary monomer from which polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is manufactured.
The dominant industrial application is suspension or emulsion polymerization to produce PVC resin, where free-radical initiators trigger chain-growth polymerization of VCM into long polymer chains. It is also copolymerized with vinyl acetate to produce vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride copolymers, which offer improved flexibility and adhesion for coatings and adhesives.
Vinyl chloride is supplied as a liquefied compressed gas in pressurized cylinders or bulk tankers and is subject to REACH registration requirements under EU regulation. Handling and transport are governed by ADR hazardous goods classifications due to its flammability and carcinogenicity (Carc. 1A). Procurement requires compliance documentation confirming REACH substance registration status.
The dominant industrial application is suspension or emulsion polymerization to produce PVC resin, where free-radical initiators trigger chain-growth polymerization of VCM into long polymer chains. It is also copolymerized with vinyl acetate to produce vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride copolymers, which offer improved flexibility and adhesion for coatings and adhesives.
Vinyl chloride is supplied as a liquefied compressed gas in pressurized cylinders or bulk tankers and is subject to REACH registration requirements under EU regulation. Handling and transport are governed by ADR hazardous goods classifications due to its flammability and carcinogenicity (Carc. 1A). Procurement requires compliance documentation confirming REACH substance registration status.
Physical Properties
| 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.) |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS02 GHS08 GHS04 GHS07
H
H220H280H315H320H336H341H350H361H370H372H412
P
P203P210P222P260P261P264P270P271P273P280P318P319P321P377P381P403P405P501P264+P265P302+P352P304+P340P308+P316P332+P317P337+P317P362+P364P403+P233P410+P403P305+P351+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29032100 |
| UN Number | 1086 |
| ADR Class | 2.1 |
| Storage Class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
chloroetheneVCMC2H3ClChlorethenChloretheneChlorethylen1-Chlor-αthen
Related Products
Raw Materials
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