Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas with a sweet odor. It is used primarily to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used to make a variety of plastic and vinyl products.
Related terms
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): A type of plastic that's often used in construction because it's durable and easy to assemble.
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons: These are compounds containing only hydrogen, carbon, and chlorine. They can be harmful pollutants but also have uses in industry and agriculture.
Carcinogen: Any substance that promotes carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer. Vinyl Chloride has been classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.