1,1-Dichloroethylene

1,1-Dichloroethylene, also called vinylidene chloride, is a volatile chlorinated alkene with formula C₂H₂Cl₂. It is used chiefly as a monomer for polymers and copolymers.

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Polyvinylidene chloride: A polymer of vinylidene chloride known for resisting moisture, gases, and many chemicals. This polymer is the principal material made from the compound.
Alkene: A hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon–carbon double bond. The compound’s reactive carbon–carbon double bond makes it an alkene.
Molecular formula: A notation that gives the number of each type of atom in a molecule. C₂H₂Cl₂ states its elemental composition but does not distinguish its structural isomers.
Occupational exposure limit: A regulatory or advisory concentration limit for a substance in workplace air. Exposure limits guide precautions for workers handling this volatile monomer.
Saran: A family of plastic products historically made from vinylidene chloride copolymers. Saran wrap helped make vinylidene chloride copolymers familiar in packaging.
Free-radical polymerization: A chain-growth polymerization initiated and propagated by reactive radicals. Radical addition across its double bond links vinylidene chloride units into polymer chains.
Structural isomerism: The existence of compounds with the same molecular formula but different atom connectivities. 1,1-Dichloroethylene is one of several C₂H₂Cl₂ structural isomers.
Carcinogen: An agent capable of causing cancer under particular exposure conditions. Vinylidene chloride is evaluated for potential carcinogenic hazards in health assessments.
Vinylidene chloride–vinyl chloride copolymer: A copolymer formed from vinylidene chloride and vinyl chloride monomers. This copolymer illustrates how a second monomer modifies the compound’s polymer properties.
1,1-Dichloroethane: A saturated chlorinated compound with formula C₂H₄Cl₂, also called ethylidene chloride. It has the same carbon framework but lacks the double bond that enables vinylidene chloride polymerization.