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Which chlorine-containing chemicals are used to make plastics, dyes, and synthetic rubber?

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A labeled diagram of the chlorine element from the periodic table shows its atomic number 17, symbol Cl, electron configuration, and atomic weight range. The box is shaded green to indicate chlorine is a halogen, with icons for orthorhombic crystal structure, gas state at room temperature, and strong acidity. A key explains the icons and colors used. — chlorine Properties of chlorine.

Chlorine is a fundamental element in the chemical industry, serving as a key building block for a wide array of synthetic materials. Several chlorine-containing chemicals are essential in the production of plastics, dyes, and synthetic rubber:

Vinyl chloride: This is the primary precursor used to manufacture polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a widely used plastic.1
Vinylidene chloride: This chemical is used in combination with other substances to produce a class of plastics known as saran.2
Chloroprene: Derived from acetylene, this chlorinated compound is converted into neoprene, a versatile synthetic rubber with exceptional properties.3
Sulfur chloride: Produced by the action of chlorine on carbon disulfide, this compound is used in the vulcanization of rubber.4
Phosgene (carbonyl chloride): This chemical is utilized in the preparation of isocyanates and polyurethanes, which are important in the production of various plastics.4

Additionally, chlorine is used to create various organic intermediates—such as carbon tetrachloride, glycols, and other chlorinated derivatives—that are further processed into plastics, dyes, and synthetic rubber products.45