The process for manufacturing PVC involves two primary chemical reactions. Initially, ethylene (\(C_2H_4\)) is chlorinated to form 1,2-dichloroethane (\(C_2H_4Cl_2\)), commonly known as ethylene dichloride (EDC). This reaction is the chlorination step. Subsequently, the EDC undergoes a dehydrochlorination process to produce vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), the precursor for PVC polymerization.
Step 1: Chlorination of Ethylene: Ethylene reacts with chlorine gas, forming EDC. \[ C_2H_4 + Cl_2 \rightarrow C_2H_4Cl_2 \]
Step 2: Dehydrochlorination of EDC: EDC is heated and decomposed to yield VCM and hydrogen chloride. \[ C_2H_4Cl_2 \rightarrow CH_2=CHCl + HCl \]