The chemical compound called vinylidene chloride has a tricky spelling that can be broken down with the help of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word begins with the consonant sound /v/ followed by the vowel sound /aɪ/, which is then followed by the consonant blend /nɪl/. The next sound is a vowel sound represented by /aɪ/ again, followed by the consonant sound /d/ and the vowel sound /iːn/. The last two syllables are pronounced together, as the sound /klɔːrɪd/. Despite its spelling complications, vinylidene chloride is commonly used in the production of various polymers.
Vinylidene chloride is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₂=CCl₂. It is a colorless liquid that is denser than water and has a sweet, chloroform-like odor. Vinylidene chloride is primarily used in the production of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), a highly versatile and durable polymer that finds numerous applications in various industries.
Polyvinylidene chloride, commonly known as Saran, is a thermoplastic resin derived from vinylidene chloride. It is characterized by its excellent barrier properties, including resistance to oxygen, water vapor, and various chemicals. These properties make PVDC an ideal material for a wide range of products like food packaging films, coatings for metal surfaces, chemical-resistant pipes, and wire coatings.
Vinylidene chloride is mainly produced through the direct chlorination of acetylene, although it can also be prepared by the dehydrochlorination of 1,1-dichloroethane. It is considered a hazardous substance due to its flammability and potential health effects, including irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Proper safety measures must be taken during its handling and storage.
In conclusion, vinylidene chloride is a chemical compound used as a building block in the production of polyvinylidene chloride. It is prized for its exceptional barrier properties and is utilized in a diverse range of applications, primarily in the packaging and coatings industries.
The word "vinylidene" comes from the combination of "vinyl" and "idene".
- "Vinyl" originated from the Latin word "vinum", meaning "wine", as it was initially used in the mid-19th century to describe a synthetic resin derived from acetic acid, which is found in wine vinegar.
- "Idene" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "eidos", meaning "resemblance" or "form". It is commonly used in chemistry to denote compounds or functional groups with specific structures.
"Chloride" refers to the presence of a chloride ion (Cl-) within the molecule of vinylidene chloride.
Therefore, "vinylidene chloride" can be broken down as follows:
- "Vinylidene" refers to a compound similar in structure to vinyl.
- "Chloride" denotes the presence of a chloride ion within the molecule.