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CAS No. 406-78-0 is the chemical identity number for Ethylene Dichloride (EDC), an important industrial chemical used in the production of vinyl chloride monomer, a key raw material in the production of polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC.
Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) is a colorless, volatile, and non-flammable liquid with a sweet chloroform-like odor. It has a melting point of -87.7°C, a boiling point of 84.5°C and a density of 1.25 g/cm3 at 25°C. EDC is miscible in most organic solvents and is slightly soluble in water. Its vapor pressure is 4.4 kPa at 20°C and its vapor density is 2.5.
EDC is primarily used as a feedstock for the production of vinyl chloride monomer, a key raw material in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). EDC is also used as a solvent for a variety of chemical processes, including rubber, plastics, and resins, as well as in the production of carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and other chlorinated solvents.
The production of EDC involves the reaction of ethylene with chlorine in the presence of a catalyst. This reaction produces a mixture of EDC and hydrogen chloride, which is then separated by distillation. The resulting EDC is then further purified and dried before being sold as a commercial product.
EDC is a potential health hazard if inhaled or ingested. Short-term exposure to EDC can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as dizziness and nausea. Long-term exposure to EDC can cause liver and kidney damage, and may even increase the risk of cancer. As such, it is important to take proper safety precautions when handling EDC.
In recent years, EDC has come under increasing scrutiny due to its potential environmental impacts. EDC is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and contributes to ground-level ozone pollution when released into the atmosphere. EDC is also a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) pollutant, meaning it can remain in the environment for extended periods of time and accumulate in living organisms. As such, EDC is regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in products and processes that emit EDC into the atmosphere.
In conclusion, EDC is an important industrial chemical used in the production of vinyl chloride monomer, a key component in the production of PVC. EDC is also a potential health hazard and is a pollutant that can remain in the environment for extended periods of time. As such, proper safety precautions must be taken when handling EDC, as well as when it is released into the atmosphere.