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CAS Number: 107-06-2
Linear Formula: ClCH2CH2Cl
Molecular Weight: 98.96
Other Names: Ethylene chloride, Ethylene dichloride
The chemical compound 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) commonly known by its old name of ethylene dichloride (EDC), is a chlorinated hydrocarbon, mainly used to produce vinyl chloride monomer (VCM, chloroethene), the major precursor for PVC production. It is a colourless liquid with a chloroform-like odour. 1,2-Dichloroethane is also used generally as an intermediate for other organic chemical compounds and as a solvent. It forms azeotropes with many other solvents, including water (b.p. 70.5 °C) and other chlorocarbons.
With approximately 80% of the world's consumption of 1,2- dichloroethane, the major use of 1,2-dichloroethane is in the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM, chloroethene) with hydrogen chloride as a byproduct. VCM is the precursor to polyvinyl chloride. The hydrogen chloride can be re-used in the production of more 1,2- dichloroethane via the oxychlorination route described above.
As a good polar aprotic solvent, 1,2-dichloroethane could be used as degreaser and paint remover but is now banned from use due to its toxicity and carcinogenity. As a useful 'building block' reagent, it is used as an intermediate in the production of various organic compounds such as ethylenediamine. In the laboratory it is occasionally used as a source of chlorine, with elimination of ethene and chloride.
Via several steps, 1,2-dichloroethane is a precursor to 1,1,1- trichloroethane, which is used in dry cleaning. Historically, 1,2- dichloroethane was used as an anti-knock additive in leaded fuels.