Overview

Polyvinyl chloride (pol-ee-VYE-nul KLOR-ide) is also known as PVC, vinyl, chlorethylene homopolymer, and chlorethene homopolymer. It is the third most commonly produced plastic in the United States, exceeded only by polyethylene and polypropylene. It is offered commercially in a variety of formulations, usually as a white powder or colorless granules. The compound is resistant to moisture, weathering, most acids, fats and oils, many organic solvents, and attack by fungi. It is easily colored and manufactured in a variety of forms, including sheets, films, fibers, and foam.

Key Facts

Other Names:

See Overview.

Formula:

-[-CH₂CHCl-]-_n

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen, chlorine

Compound Type:

Organic polymer

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

Varies

Melting Point:

Decomposes at 148°C (298°F)

Boiling Point:

Not applicable

Solubility:

Insoluble in water; soluble in tetrahydrofuran, dimethyllformamide, dimethylsulfoxide

Polyvinyl chloride was first discovered accidentally in 1835 by the French physicist and chemist Henry Victor...