Physical and chemical properties

Some physical properties of VC are given in Table 1. Under ambient conditions, vinyl chloride is a
colourless, flammable gas with a slightly sweet odour. It is heavier than air and has relatively low solubility.
There are discrepancies in the literature with regard to Henry's Law constant (air-water partition coefficient,
Hc). Whereas some authors give a value between 1 and 3 kPa.m3 /mol, other sources quote a value two
orders higher. Large uncertainties in the absolute aqueous solubility in older studies probably contribute
most to these discrepancies (Ashworth et al., 1988). It is an azeotrope with water: 0.1 parts water/100 parts
vinyl chloride (Bönnighausen, 1986; Rossberg et al., 1986). VC is soluble in almost all organic solvents.

Since it is a gas that is heavier than air, VC can spread over the ground creating an exposure long
distances away from the original source and can form explosive mixtures. The odour threshold value is very
subjective (see Table 1) and is far above the present accepted occupational safety threshold values (see
Annex 1).

VC is transported as a compressed liquid. As it does not tend to polymerize easily, liquid VC (in the
absence of oxygen and water) can be stored and transported without polymerization inhibitors
(Bönnighausen, 1986).

At ambient temperatures in the absence of air, dry purified VC is highly stable and non-corrosive.
Above 450 °C, partial decomposition occurs yielding acetylene, hydrogen chloride and trace amounts of 2-
chloro-1,3-butadiene (chloroprene) (Rossberg et al., 1986). This reaction also occurs by lower
temperatures (at 30 °C and under) in the presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide (Bönnighausen,
1986).

Combustion of VC in air produces carbon dioxide and hydrogen chloride. Under oxygen deficient
conditions, traces of phosgene may be formed (Rossberget al., 1986).In chlorine-atom-initiated oxidation of
VC, the vinyl chloride peroxide formed decomposes to formaldehyde, hydrogen chloride and carbon
monoxide (Bauer & Sabel, 1975; Sanhueza et al., 1976).
With air and oxygen, very explosive peroxides can be formed (Rossberg et al., 1986). There are reports of
explosions in vinyl chloride plants (Terwiesch, 1982). In VC recovery plants there is a higher chance of
explosion,which necessitates continuous monitoring and limitation of the oxygen content.

Polymerization reactions to form PVC are the most important reactions from an industrial view (see section
3.2.1.2). nH2C = CHCl 6 (– H2C – CHCl –)n ; )HR = –71.2 kJ/mol The reaction is exothermic. Addition
reactions with other halogens at the double bond, for instance, to yield 1,1,2-trichloroethane or 1,1-
dichloroethane, are also important. Catalytic halogen exchange by hydrogen fluoride gives vinyl fluoride
(Rossberg et al., 1986). In the presence of water, hydrochloric acid is formed which attacks most metals
and alloys. This hydrolysis probably proceeds via a peroxide intermediate (Lederer, 1959). Vinyl chlorine
reacts with chlorine to form trichloroethane. 1,1-Dichloroethane is formed from the exothermal reaction of
VC with hydrogen chloride in the presence of iron compounds.
Chronic Exposure

Prolonged absorption of vinyl chloride can induce hepatotoxicity and hepatic cancers, including
angiosarcoma. Portal hypertension and cirrhosis can occur. Vinyl chloride toxicity is thought to result from
the binding of reactive epoxide metabolites to hepatic DNA. Other effects of chronic exposure include
sensory-motor polyneuropathy; pyramidal, extrapyramidal, and cerebellar abnormalities; neuropsychiatric
symptoms such as sleep disorders, loss of libido, headaches, and irritability; EEG alterations; and
immunopathologic phenomena such as purpura and thrombocytopenia. Vinyl chloride disease is a
syndrome consisting of Raynaud's phenomenon, acroosteolysis (dissolution of the bones of the terminal
phalanges and sacroiliac joints), and scleroderma-like skin changes.

SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID

Inhalation Dizziness. Drowsiness. Use ventilation, local Fresh air, rest. Refer
Headache. exhaust or breathing immediately for medical
Unconsciousness. Blurred protection. attention.
vision. Numbness. Tingling
sensation.
Skin ON CONTACT WITH Protective gloves. Cold- ON FROSTBITE: rinse with
LIQUID: FROSTBITE. insulating gloves. Protective plenty of water, do NOT
clothing. remove clothes. Refer
immediately for medical
attention.
Eyes Redness. Pain. Wear safety goggles or eye Rinse with plenty of water
protection in combination (remove contact lenses if
with breathing protection. easily possible). Refer for
medical attention.