VINYL CHLORIDE Meaning and
Definition
-
Vinyl chloride is a colorless, flammable gas that belongs to the family of organochlorine compounds. It is primarily used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a versatile polymer known for its durable and rigid properties. Vinyl chloride is produced from ethylene, a naturally occurring gas, through the process of chlorination, where hydrogen atoms are substituted with chlorine atoms. This results in the formation of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM).
Vinyl chloride has a distinctive, somewhat sweet odor, and is denser than air. It is highly reactive and readily undergoes polymerization, a chemical process where small molecules combine to form larger molecules with repeating subunits. This property makes it ideal for the synthesis of PVC, which finds extensive applications in construction, automotive, electrical, and healthcare industries.
However, exposure to vinyl chloride poses significant health risks. Inhalation or skin contact with vinyl chloride can lead to various acute and chronic effects, which primarily affect the respiratory and nervous systems. Long-term exposure is associated with increased risk of cancer, particularly liver angiosarcoma and liver cancer. Due to its hazardous nature, strict regulations and safety measures have been implemented to regulate its production, handling, and use in many countries.
In conclusion, vinyl chloride is a gas that serves as a crucial precursor for the production of PVC. While it is a widely used industrial chemical, its toxic properties necessitate precautions to protect the health and safety of both workers and the general public.
Common Misspellings for VINYL CHLORIDE
- cinyl chloride
- binyl chloride
- ginyl chloride
- finyl chloride
- vunyl chloride
- vjnyl chloride
- vknyl chloride
- vonyl chloride
- v9nyl chloride
- v8nyl chloride
- vibyl chloride
- vimyl chloride
- vijyl chloride
- vihyl chloride
- vintl chloride
- vingl chloride
- vinhl chloride
- vinul chloride
- vin7l chloride
- vin6l chloride
Etymology of VINYL CHLORIDE
The word "vinyl" comes from the Latin word "vinum" meaning "wine". It was first used in the 19th century to describe the chemical compound "vinyl radical" derived from ethylene. This compound was known for its ability to easily combine with other compounds.
The term "chloride" comes from the Greek word "chloros" meaning "greenish-yellow". It refers to the compound formed when an element or radical combines with chlorine.
So, the word "vinyl chloride" essentially means the compound formed when chlorine combines with the vinyl radical, which is derived from ethylene.
