Vinyl Chloride

1Identification

Name

Vinyl Chloride

IUPAC name

chloroethene

CAS number

75-01-4

EC number

200-831-0

Molecular formula

C2H3Cl

Molecular weight

62.5 g/mol

InChIKey

BZHJMEDXRYGGRV-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C=CCl

PubChem CID

6338

Synonyms

VINYL CHLORIDE, Chloroethene, Chloroethylene, Ethene, chloro-, Monochloroethylene, Monochloroethene, Vinylchloride, Ethylene monochloride, Chlorethylene, Vinylchlorid, Monovinyl chloride, Vinyl chloride monomer, Chlorethene, Chlorure de vinyle

Recommended uses

• Most of the vinyl chloride produced is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a material widely used in automotive parts, packaging products, pipes, construction materials, furniture, and a variety of other products.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• The highest exposures to vinyl chloride occurred in polyvinyl chloride polymerization plants during reactor vessel cleaning. [LaDou, p. 520]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• See 29 CFR 1910.1017;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Monomers Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Monomers Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Chemical Classes -> Volatile organic compounds · Food Contaminant -> CONTAMINANT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas. It burns easily and it is not stable at high temperatures. It has a mild, sweet odor. It is a manufactured substance that does not occur naturally. It can be formed when other substances such as trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene are broken down. Vinyl chloride is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is used to make a variety of plastic products, including pipes, wire and cable coatings, and packaging materials. Vinyl chloride is also known as chloroethene, chloroethylene, and ethylene monochloride.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Vinyl chloride can cause cancer according to California Labor Code.
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Vinyl chloride appears as a colorless gas with a sweet odor. Easily ignited. Shipped as a liquefied gas under own vapor pressure. Contact with the unconfined liquid may cause frostbite by evaporative cooling. Leaks may be liquid or vapor. Vapors are heavier than air. May asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. Suspected carcinogen. Used to make plastics, adhesives, and other chemicals.
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS08

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 4 - Materials that rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or that are readily dispersed in air and burn readily.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that readily undergo violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• INHALATION: high concentrations cause dizziness, anesthesia, lung irritation. SKIN: may cause frostbite; phenol inhibitor may be absorbed through skin if large amounts of liquid evaporate. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Some may be toxic if inhaled at high concentrations. · Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. · Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Forms highly toxic combustion products such as hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and carbon monoxide. Behavior in Fire: Container may explode in fire. Gas is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. · Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. · Will form explosive mixtures with air. Acetylene (UN1001, UN3374) may react explosively even in the absence of air. · Disilane (UN3553) and Silane (UN2203) will ignite spontaneously in air and may re-ignite. · Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. · Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. · Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. · Containers may explode when heated. · Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Extremely flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas. It burns easily and it is not stable at high temperatures. It has a mild, sweet odor. It is a manufactured substance that does not occur naturally. It can be formed when other substances such as trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene are broken down. Vinyl chloride is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is used to make a variety of plastic products, including pipes, wire and cable coatings, and packaging materials. Vinyl chloride is also known as chloroethene, chloroethylene, and ethylene monochloride.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Increased incidence of liver cancer (angiosarcoma) was found in workers who had high exposure to vinyl chloride monomer while cleaning reaction vessels. [LaDou, p. 298-9] There is compelling evidence that exposure to vinyl chloride is associated with angiosarcoma of the liver, and strong evidence that it is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Together with the observation that vinyl chloride increases the risk for liver cirrhosis, which is a known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, the findings from two large multicentre cohort studies provide convincing evidence that vinyl chloride causes hepatocellular carcinoma as well as angiosarcoma of the liver.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: CAUTION: Exposure of skin to compressed gases may result in freezing of the skin. Treatment for frostbite may be necessary. Remove the victim from the source of contamination.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Frostbite - If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible. Skin: Frostbite - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen. Breathing: Respiratory support
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Unconsciousness. Blurred vision. Numbness. Tingling sensation.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. /Vinyl chloride, stabilized/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame, consider evacuation of one-half mile radius. /Vinyl chloride, stabilized/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers. ... Do not extinguish fire unless the flow of gas can be stopped and any remaining gas is out of the line. Specially trained personnel may use fog lines to cool exposures and let the fire burn itself out. ... If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Combustion may produce irritants and toxic gases, including hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide. /Vinyl chloride, inhibited/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 [Gases - Flammable (Unstable); polymerization hazard]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Remove vapour cloud with fine water spray. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Leaks should be stopped as soon as possible. All sources of ignition must be eliminated. Vinyl chloride vapor can travel to an ignition source and flash back causing a flash fire. Because of the explosive hazard, fire at a leak must not be extinguished unless the leak is simultaneously closed. In the event of a spillage, liquid should be contained and discharges to streams or sewer system prevented. People performing the clean-up should have full protective equipment and positive-pressure breathing apparatus.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Establish forced ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. Ventilate area of leak to disperse the gas. Stop the flow of gas if it can be done safely. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. Keep this chemical out of confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Land Spill: Construct barriers to contain spill. Absorb small amounts of spill with natural or synthetic sorbents, shovel into containers with covers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Separated from : see Chemical Dangers. Cool. Store only if stabilized. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Separated from oxidizing materials.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Vinyl chloride should be stored in cool well-ventilated areas, out of direct sunlight. It is usually stored under pressure and handled as a liquid. It must be kept away from sparks, flames and other ignition sources.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials. /Vinyl chloride, inhibited/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store in a secure poison location. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Vinyl chloride must be stored to avoid contact with oxidizers (such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, and nitrates), since violent reactions occur. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where vinyl chloride is handled, used, or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons of vinyl chloride should be grounded and bonded.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Vinyl chloride: Skin: FROSTBITE - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen. Eyes: FROSTBITE - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact with the liquid that could result in burns or tissue damage from frostbite. Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Protective clothing and, where necessary, an approved air-purifying respirator should be used. When the level of exposure is not known or the airborne exposure guidelines may be exceeded, an approved positive-pressure breathing apparatus should be used. Safety glasses should be worn.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear protective gloves and clothing to prevent any reasonable probability of skin contact. ... Viton, Silvershield, and chlorinated polyethylene are among the recommended protective materials. All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. ... Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Respiratory protection is as follows for the following concentrations of vinyl chloride: Not over 10 ppm: Combination type C supplied-air respirator, demand type, with half facepiece, and auxillary self-contained breathing air supply, or type C supplied air respirator, demand type, with half facepiece, or any chemical cartridge respirator with an organic vapor cartridge which provides a service life of at least 1 hr for concentrations up to 10 ppm;
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• (See OSHA respirator requirements for selected chemicals) NIOSH At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compou…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• VINYL CHLORIDE is peroxidizable. Forms explosive polymeric peroxides in contact with air (in the presence of any of a variety of catalysts) [Bretherick 1979. p. 164]. Long storage in contact with air increases the concentration of the polyperoxides to hazardous levels [MCA Case History 1551. 1969]. The peroxides may initiate exothermic polymerization of the remaining material [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980.p. 958; Bretherick 1979. p. 160]. Light-sensitive. Many oxidizing agents apparently initiate polymerization (oxides of nitrogen, O2, etc.). May react with very hot water or steam to produce toxic fumes.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Forms polymeric peroxides that are explosive [Bretherick 1979. p. 164].
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• On treatment with strong alkalis at high temperatures it loses hydrogen chloride.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Can explode on contact with oxides of nitrogen.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Copper, oxidizers, aluminum, peroxides, iron, steel. [Note: polymerizes in air, sunlight, or heat unless stabilized by inhibitors such as phenol. Attacks iron and steel in presence of moisture.]
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• An unstable polyperoxide is apparently formed in vinyl chloride through oxidation by atmospheric oxygen in the presence of any of a variety of contaminants. Storage under these conditions for a long period increases the concentration of unstable polyperoxide to hazardous levels.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Cancer, Developmental (effects during periods when organs are developing) , Hepatic (Liver), Immunological (Immune System), Neurological (Nervous System)
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Hepatic
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• The liquid may cause frostbite. The substance is irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in lowering of consciousness, convulsions and seizures. Medical observation is indicated.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance may have effects on the liver, spleen, blood, peripheral blood vessels and tissue and bones of the fingers. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U043 and D043, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Incineration, preferably after mixing with another combustible fuel. Care must be exercised to assure complete combustion to prevent the formation of phosgene. An acid scrubber is necessary to remove the halo acids produced.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN numbers: UN 1086, UN 2203

Shipping name

• UN 1086; Vinyl chloride, stabilized
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 2.1; Vinyl chloride, stabilized
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Vinyl chloride, stabilized
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1086
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Div 2.1 Flammable gas (49 eCFR § 173.115)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Gas
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 2.1
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1086 116P
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• 1086 116P(inhibited)
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Vinyl chloride is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1 lb or 0.454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• D043; A solid waste containing vinyl chloride may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Vinyl chloride is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 6338 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.