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How is vinyl chloride used in the production of polyvinyl chloride?

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organohalogen compound Vinyl chloride is an organohalogen compound that has important industrial applications. When treated with certain catalysts, vinyl chloride monomers undergo polymerization and form the larger compound known as polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PVC is used in the manufacture of numerous products, including packaging films and water pipes.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is manufactured through the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer, which serves as the repeating unit in the resulting polymer chain.1

To produce PVC, the vinyl chloride monomer undergoes polymerization using free-radical initiators. This process can be carried out through several industrial methods, including bulk, solution, suspension, and emulsion polymerization. Because vinyl chloride is a toxic and carcinogenic gas, its handling requires specialized protective procedures to ensure safety during the manufacturing process.12

Once polymerized, the resulting PVC is a versatile material. While pure PVC is known for its rigidity and low flammability—making it ideal for construction materials like pipes and window frames—it can also be combined with plasticizers or used in copolymerization to create more flexible products, such as garden hoses or upholstery.1