Organochlorine compounds plasticizers

The major use of vinyl chloride (also known as vinyl chloride monomer, VCM) is in the production of the ubiquitous plastic, PVC or polyvinylchloride, which began to be used in the 1940s. This polymer is used in a wide variety of products ranging from cling film, bottles, car components, pipes, electrical insulation, and window frames. Unfortunately, vinyl chloride, which is used to make the plastic, is a hazardous chemical. For this reason and because PVC is an organochlorine compound, it has received a bad press. It has important properties, however, such as flexibility, toughness, and durability, that make it an extremely useful and versatile material. 

Potential sources of atmospheric HCl can be limited by scrubbing stack gas from facilities where organochlorine compounds, especially polyvinylchloride plastic, are incinerated. To the extent possible, it is best to avoid incineration of such materials. 

Chlorine is the most important halogen. About 40 million tonnes are consumed each year, mainly in the synthesis of organochlorine compounds, many of which are used as solvents or converted into plastics. Figure 6.4 shows the distribution of chlorine consumption the largest single use is in the manufacture of chlorinated plastics. For example, it is used to make vinyl chloride (chloroethene) from ethylene (ethene) ... 

Numerous synthetic organic and inorganic compounds, organochlorines, dioxins, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, chlorinated phenols, sulfates, sulfides, surfactants, solvents, acids, bases, salts, pharmaceuticals, plastics, resins, explosives, and natural organics Residential and commercial chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, hydrocarbons, solvents, surfactants, paints, sealants, medicines, volatile organic compounds, resins, plastics, metals, salts, acids, and bases... 

---