oxychlorination

chemical process

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July 18, 2026

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Oxychlorination is a chemical process used in the industrial production of vinyl chloride, a key component in making polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. In this process, ethylene, hydrogen chloride, and oxygen are heated with a copper catalyst, producing vinyl chloride and water. This method is often integrated with another process that heats ethylene chloride to produce hydrogen chloride, creating a more efficient system. While processes based on acetylene exist, they are less common due to the higher cost of acetylene compared to ethylene.1

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vinyl chloride
In the other process (called oxychlorination), ethylene, hydrogen chloride, and oxygen (or air) are heated in the presence of a copper catalyst to give vinyl chloride and water.
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In the other process (called oxychlorination), ethylene, hydrogen chloride, and oxygen (or air) are heated in the presence of a copper catalyst to give vinyl chloride and water.
Read More