Polyvinyl Chloride

Definition

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used synthetic plastic polymer that is produced by the polymerization of the monomer vinyl chloride. It is known for its versatility, durability, and wide range of applications, particularly in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of halogens discussed in Chapter 18.11.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most widely produced and used synthetic plastic polymers in the world, with a wide range of applications.
2. PVC is produced by the polymerization of the monomer vinyl chloride, which is a colorless, flammable gas obtained through the halogenation of ethylene.
3. PVC is known for its excellent durability, resistance to chemicals, and versatility, making it a popular choice for a variety of applications, including construction materials, packaging, and medical devices.
4. The production of PVC involves the use of halogens, particularly chlorine, which are essential in the synthesis of the vinyl chloride monomer.
5. The unique properties of PVC, such as its resistance to weathering, fire, and chemicals, are directly related to the presence of the chlorine atoms in its molecular structure.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the occurrence and preparation of halogens.
  • The production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is closely linked to the occurrence and preparation of halogens, particularly chlorine. PVC is synthesized through the polymerization of the monomer vinyl chloride, which is obtained by the halogenation of ethylene using chlorine. The presence of the chlorine atoms in the PVC polymer structure is what gives it its unique properties, such as durability and chemical resistance, which are directly related to the properties of halogens discussed in Chapter 18.11.
• Analyze the role of halogenation in the synthesis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and how it contributes to the properties of the final polymer.
  • The halogenation process, specifically the introduction of chlorine atoms, is a crucial step in the synthesis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The halogenation of ethylene to produce vinyl chloride, the monomer for PVC, is an essential part of the polymer's preparation. The chlorine atoms incorporated into the PVC polymer structure are responsible for its unique properties, such as durability, chemical resistance, and fire retardancy. These properties are directly related to the chemical and physical characteristics of halogens discussed in Chapter 18.11, highlighting the strong connection between PVC and the occurrence, preparation, and properties of halogens.
• Evaluate how the versatility and widespread use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is influenced by the occurrence, preparation, and properties of halogens.
  • The versatility and widespread use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be directly attributed to the occurrence, preparation, and properties of halogens, particularly chlorine. The ability to produce vinyl chloride, the monomer for PVC, through the halogenation of ethylene is a crucial step in the polymer's synthesis. The presence of the chlorine atoms in the PVC structure imparts desirable properties, such as durability, chemical resistance, and fire retardancy, which make PVC a popular choice for a wide range of applications, including construction materials, packaging, and medical devices. The availability and ease of producing halogens, as discussed in Chapter 18.11, have contributed to the widespread use and production of PVC, solidifying its position as one of the most commonly used synthetic polymers in the world.

Related terms

Vinyl Chloride: Vinyl chloride is the monomer from which polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is produced. It is a colorless, flammable gas that is used as a raw material in the manufacturing of PVC.

Halogenation: Halogenation is the process of introducing a halogen atom, such as chlorine, into an organic compound, which is a key step in the production of PVC.

Polymer: A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units called monomers, and PVC is a type of synthetic polymer.