What Is Dichloroethylene?
Dichloroethylene (DCE) is an organochlorine compound with the chemical formula C2H2Cl2, featuring a double bond within its molecule.
It exists as two structural isomers, “1,1-dichloroethylene” and “1,2-dichloroethylene,” differentiated by the positions of the chlorine atoms, and two geometric isomers, E– and Z-isomers of 1,2-dichloroethylene. Their respective CAS numbers are 75-35-4 (1,1-dichloroethylene), 156-59-2 (1,2-dichloroethylene, Z-isomer), 156-60-5 (1,2-dichloroethylene, E-isomer), and 540-59-0 (1,2-dichloroethylene, mixed isomers).
Uses of Dichloroethylene
1. 1,1-Dichloroethylene Applications
1,1-dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE) is used as a comonomer in synthesizing polymers, including polyvinyl chloride and polyacrylonitrile. It serves as a raw material in producing household wraps, packaging films, artificial turf, fishing nets, vinylidene chloride latex, and flame-retardant fibers, and in semiconductor engineering to create pure silicon dioxide films.
2. 1,2-Dichloroethylene Applications
1,2-dichloroethylene (1,2-DCE) is mainly utilized as a synthetic feedstock for producing other chlorinated solvents. It also finds use as a low-temperature solvent for extracting resins, fragrances, and dyes, and as a cleaning agent.
Properties of Dichloroethylene
1. 1,1-Dichloroethylene Properties
1,1-dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE) is a colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor, having a molecular weight of 96.94, a melting point of -122°C, and a boiling point of 32°C. Its density is 1.221 g/mL at 20°C, and it is soluble in alcohols, hydrocarbons, and ethers but insoluble in water, with a solubility of 2,420 mg/L.
2. 1,2-Dichloroethylene Properties
The E (trans) and Z (cis) geometric isomers of 1,2-dichloroethylene are colorless liquids with pungent odors. Their melting points are -81.5°C for the Z-isomer and -49.4°C for the E-isomer, with boiling points of 60°C and 47.2°C, respectively. The densities are 1.28 g/mL for the Z-isomer and 1.26 g/mL for the E-isomer.
Types of Dichloroethylene
Dichloroethylene is marketed primarily as a reagent for research and development, including the isomers 1,1-dichloroethylene and 1,2-dichloroethylene, available in volumes of 5 g, 25 g, 100 g, and 500 mL. Deuterium-labeled 1,1-dichloroethylene-d2 is also offered for use as a solvent in NMR analysis.
Regulatory Information on Dichloroethylene
1. 1,1-Dichloroethylene Regulations
1,1-dichloroethylene, with a low flash point of -28°C, is extremely flammable and toxic, affecting the central nervous system upon inhalation. High concentrations can lead to sedation, intoxication, convulsions, and coma. It is regulated under various safety laws.
2. 1,2-Dichloroethylene Regulations
1,2-dichloroethylene, flammable with a flash point of 6°C, can have anesthetic effects on the human body, causing vomiting and affecting the central nervous system at high concentrations. It is classified under various safety and environmental laws.