1,1-Dichloroethene

1,1-Dichloroethene, commonly called 1,1-dichloroethylene or 1,1-DCE, is an organochloride with the molecular formula C₂H₂Cl₂. It is a highly flammable, colorless liquid with a sharp, harsh odor. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, benzene, and chloroform.

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1,1-DCE is used as a comonomer in the polymerization of vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile, and acrylates.

1,1-DCE is used in semiconductor device fabrication for growing high purity silicon dioxide (SiO₂) films.

The health effects from exposure to 1,1-DCE are primarily on the central nervous system, including symptoms of sedation, inebriation, convulsions, spasms, and unconsciousness at high concentrations.^[1]

As with other unsaturated carbon compounds, 1,1-DCE can be polymerised to form polyvinylidene chloride. A very widely used product, cling wrap, or Saran was made from this polymer. During the 1990s research suggested that, in common with many chlorinated carbon compounds, Saran posed a possible danger to health by leaching, especially on exposure to food in microwave ovens. Since 2004, therefore cling wrap's formulation has changed to a form of polythene.

See also

• 1,2-Dichloroethene
• 1,1-Dichloroethane

References

1. ^ epa.gov