Chloroethene is a chemical compound composed of chlorine, carbon, and hydrogen. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, which is /klɔːrəʊˈɛθiːn/. This IPA transcription shows that the word is pronounced with a /k/ sound followed by a long /ɔː/ vowel sound, representing the "clo" part of the word. The second part of the word, "ethene", is pronounced with a long /iː/ vowel sound and a soft /θ/ sound. Together, the word is pronounced as "klor-o-eth-een".
Chloroethene, also known as vinyl chloride, is a chemical compound with the formula C2H3Cl. It is a colorless gas that has a sweet odor, and it is classified as a halogenated hydrocarbon. The compound is derived from ethene, where one hydrogen atom is substituted with a chlorine atom.
Chloroethene is primarily used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is an important building block for various plastics. It is commonly employed in the manufacturing of pipes, cables, wire coatings, and flexible sheets. Additionally, chloroethene has applications in the production of vinyl-based flooring, vinyl siding, and other construction materials.
However, chloroethene poses significant health risks and environmental concerns. It is considered a carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer, specifically angiosarcoma of the liver. Inhalation of the gas can lead to respiratory tract irritation, dizziness, headaches, and even narcotic effects. Long-term exposure can result in liver damage and neurological disorders.
Due to its hazardous nature, strict regulations have been implemented to manage and control the production, use, and disposal of chloroethene. Industries working with this compound must adhere to safety protocols to protect workers and prevent environmental contamination.
The word "chloroethene" is derived from its chemical structure and naming conventions.
Firstly, "chloro-" comes from the Greek word "chlōros" meaning "pale green" or "greenish-yellow", referring to the characteristic color of chlorine gas. In chemical nomenclature, "chloro-" is used as a prefix to indicate the presence of a chlorine atom in a compound.
Secondly, "-ethene" is derived from the suffix "-ene", which is commonly used to denote alkenes. Alkenes are hydrocarbon compounds that have a carbon-carbon double bond. The term "ethene" specifically refers to a two-carbon alkene, which is the simplest example in the series of alkene compounds.
When combined, "chloroethene" indicates a compound that contains a chlorine atom attached to an ethene (alkene) molecule.