chloroethene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chloroethene” mean?
A toxic, flammable gas, chemical formula C₂H₃Cl, used primarily as a precursor in the industrial manufacture of the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A toxic, flammable gas, chemical formula C₂H₃Cl, used primarily as a precursor in the industrial manufacture of the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
The simplest chloro-substituted alkene, also known by its common name vinyl chloride, which is a key monomer in the plastics industry but is a known human carcinogen.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; both regions use the term primarily in technical contexts. 'Vinyl chloride' is equally common.
Connotations
Neutral chemical term. Connotations are overwhelmingly related to industrial chemistry, toxicity, and cancer risk.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, but standard in chemistry and industrial materials science texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “chloroethene” in a Sentence
Chloroethene is used to produce XThe polymerisation of chloroethene yields YExposure to chloroethene is linked to ZVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chloroethene” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in contexts of petrochemical manufacturing, plastics industry supply chains, and regulatory compliance.
Academic
Central to polymer chemistry and organic chemistry courses; discussed in toxicology and environmental health research.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson would likely say 'vinyl chloride' or refer to 'PVC plastic'.
Technical
Standard term in chemical engineering, industrial chemistry, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and environmental science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chloroethene”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chloroethene”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chloroethene”
- Misspelling as 'chloroethene' (incorrect 'e' placement).
- Confusing it with 'chloroethane' (a different, saturated compound).
- Using it in everyday conversation instead of 'vinyl chloride'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'chloroethene' is the systematic IUPAC name, and 'vinyl chloride' is the common name for the same chemical compound (C₂H₃Cl).
It is the fundamental building block monomer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most widely produced plastics in the world.
Yes, it is a flammable gas and a confirmed human carcinogen, associated with liver cancer (angiosarcoma). Safe handling requires strict industrial controls.
Extremely unlikely. It appears almost exclusively in scientific, industrial, regulatory, and environmental health documents.
A toxic, flammable gas, chemical formula C₂H₃Cl, used primarily as a precursor in the industrial manufacture of the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Chloroethene is usually technical/scientific in register.
Chloroethene: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklɒrəʊˈiːθiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklɔːroʊˈeθiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CHLORO (chlorine) + ETHENE (a simple hydrocarbon gas): Think of chlorine attached to an ethene molecule.
Conceptual Metaphor
A building block (monomer) that assembles into a long chain (polymer).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industrial use of chloroethene?