Vinyl chloride (VC) is a chemical compound used in manufacturing PVC. It’s produced by combining ethylene with chlorine gas. Vinyl chloride is known to be toxic and can cause serious health issues.
| IUPAC Name | Vinyl Chloride |
| Molecular Formula | C2H3Cl |
| CAS Number | 75-01-4 |
| Synonyms | Chloroethene, Monochloroethene, VC, C2H3Cl |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C2H3Cl/c1-2-3/h2H,1H2 |
Vinyl Chloride Properties
Vinyl Chloride Formula
The chemical formula of vinyl chloride (VC) is C2H3Cl. It consists of two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and one chlorine atom. The formula represents the composition of the compound at the molecular level.
Vinyl Chloride Molar Mass
The molar mass of VC is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of its constituent elements. Carbon has a molar mass of 12.01 g/mol, hydrogen has a molar mass of 1.01 g/mol, and chlorine has a molar mass of 35.45 g/mol. Therefore, the molar mass of VC is approximately 62.50 g/mol.
Vinyl Chloride Boiling Point
VC has a boiling point of -13.4 degrees Celsius or 7.9 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature represents the point at which the liquid form of VC changes into a gaseous state. The boiling point is influenced by intermolecular forces and the strength of molecular interactions.
Vinyl Chloride Melting Point
The melting point of VC is -153.8 degrees Celsius or -244.8 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature indicates the transition from a solid to a liquid state. The melting point is determined by factors such as molecular structure and intermolecular forces.
Vinyl Chloride Density g/mL
The density of VC is approximately 0.92 g/mL. Density is the measure of mass per unit volume and reflects how closely packed the molecules are within a substance. The density of VC influences its physical properties and behavior.
Vinyl Chloride Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of VC is calculated by summing up the atomic weights of its constituent elements. For VC (C2H3Cl), the molecular weight is approximately 62.50 g/mol. This value is essential for various chemical calculations and reactions.
Vinyl Chloride Structure
The structure of VC consists of two carbon atoms bonded to each other with a double bond. One carbon atom is also bonded to three hydrogen atoms, while the other carbon atom is bonded to a chlorine atom. This structure gives VC its unique chemical properties.
Vinyl Chloride Solubility
VC is slightly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 0.31 g/100 mL at room temperature. However, it is highly soluble in organic solvents such as benzene and chloroform. Solubility characteristics play a significant role in determining how a compound interacts with other substances.
| Appearance | Colorless gas |
| Specific Gravity | 0.91 – 0.92 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Mild, sweet odor |
| Molar Mass | 62.50 g/mol |
| Density | 0.92 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -153.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | -13.4 °C |
| Flash Point | -78 °C |
| Water Solubility | 0.31 g/100 mL |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents |
| Vapor Pressure | 35.7 kPa at 25 °C |
| Vapor Density | 2.22 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 7.55 |
| pH | 2.0 – 3.5 |
Vinyl Chloride Safety and Hazards
VC poses significant safety hazards. It is considered highly toxic and can have harmful effects on human health. Inhalation of VC gas or vapor can cause respiratory issues, dizziness, and even unconsciousness. Prolonged exposure may lead to severe health conditions like liver damage and cancer, particularly angiosarcoma of the liver. VC is also a flammable substance, increasing the risk of fires and explosions. Adequate safety precautions, such as proper ventilation, personal protective equipment, and safe handling procedures, are essential when working with VC to minimize the risk of exposure and ensure the well-being of individuals and the surrounding environment.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable |
| Safety Description | Highly flammable and toxic. Handle with caution. |
| UN IDs | UN1086 |
| HS Code | 2903.11.00 |
| Hazard Class | 3 (Flammable) |
| Packing Group | I (Great Danger) |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic; can cause serious health issues |
Vinyl Chloride Synthesis Methods
VC (Vinyl chloride) can be synthesized through different methods.
The direct chlorination of ethylene is one common method to synthesize VC. In this method, a catalyst such as iron or cupric chloride facilitates the combination of gaseous ethylene and chlorine gas at elevated temperatures (typically around 300-500 degrees Celsius). The reaction produces VC and byproducts like hydrogen chloride.
Another method involves the oxychlorination of ethylene. In this process, a catalyst such as cupric chloride or cupric oxide facilitates the reaction between ethylene, chlorine, and oxygen. The reaction occurs at temperatures ranging from 200 to 250 degrees Celsius. The resulting mixture contains VC, hydrogen chloride, and water. Distillation and purification steps separate and purify VC.
The thermal cracking of chlorinated hydrocarbons produces VC. This method involves heating chlorinated hydrocarbons like 1,2-dichloroethane to high temperatures (typically above 600 degrees Celsius). The process generates VC, as well as other products like hydrogen chloride and dichloroethane. Operators employ additional separation and purification steps to isolate VC.
These synthesis methods serve as industrial routes for manufacturing VC, which is a crucial precursor in the production of polyVC (PVC). It is important to ensure the safety and well-being of workers and minimize any potential environmental impact by implementing strict control and monitoring measures, given the hazardous nature of VC and the involved byproducts.
Vinyl Chloride Uses
VC has various applications due to its versatile properties. Here are some common uses:
- VC plays a key role in the production of PVC, one of the most widely used plastics in the manufacturing of construction materials, pipes, electrical cables, flooring, and vinyl records.
- Manufacturers utilize VC to produce vinyl resins, which provide durability, flexibility, and weather resistance to coatings, adhesives, and printing inks.
- VC enables the production of films and sheets with excellent clarity, flexibility, and ease of printing, which find applications in packaging, agricultural films, upholstery, and signage.
- The automotive industry utilizes VC-based materials for interior trims, dashboards, seat coverings, and wire harnesses due to their durability, resistance to fading, and ease of cleaning.
- Manufacturers use VC to produce medical devices like blood bags, IV tubing, and respiratory equipment. This compound provides these devices with flexibility, clarity, and resistance to chemicals.
- Synthetic leather, known as vinyl or PVC leather, relies on VC as a crucial component, offering a cost-effective and durable alternative to genuine leather in upholstery, footwear, and accessories.
- Coatings and paints formulated with VC exhibit resistance to weathering, chemicals, and abrasion, making them suitable for applications such as protective coatings, architectural paints, and marine coatings.
The diverse range of applications highlights the importance of VC in various industries, showcasing its valuable properties and versatility as a material.
Questions:
Q: How many moles of vinyl chloride in each liter does this represent?
A: The number of moles of VC in each liter depends on its concentration, which is not specified in the given context.
Q: Which of the following is vinyl chloride?
A: VC is represented by the chemical formula C2H3Cl.
Q: What is vinyl chloride?
A: VC is a colorless gas with a mild, sweet odor. It is primarily used in the production of PVC and has various industrial applications.
Q: Does “vinyl chloride” leach from PVC?
A: Yes, VC can potentially leach from PVC, especially under certain conditions such as high temperatures or prolonged contact with certain substances.
Q: What is vinyl chloride made of?
A: VC is made up of two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and one chlorine atom, represented by the chemical formula C2H3Cl.
Q: Is vinyl chloride a carcinogen?
A: Yes, VC is classified as a carcinogen by various health and regulatory agencies due to its link to cancer, particularly angiosarcoma of the liver.
Q: How to remove vinyl chloride from water?
A: Removing VC from water typically involves treatment methods like activated carbon filtration, air stripping, or advanced oxidation processes to reduce its concentration.
Q: Is vinyl chloride a polar molecule?
A: No, VC is considered a nonpolar molecule due to its symmetrical structure and equal sharing of electrons between its constituent atoms.