1,2-Dichloroethane

Structure of 1,2-dichloroethane

1,2-dichloroethane, or ethylene dichloride, is a common solvent and reagent, going by the abbreviations EDC and 1,2-DCA. It is also used to make vinyl chloride, the major precursor to polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC.

Properties

Chemical

Ethylene dichloride is a slightly reactive polar solvent. It is sometimes used as a precursor to ethylenediamine and 1,1,1-trichloroethane.

Physical

Ethylene dichloride is colorless and has a high index of refraction, giving it a shiny appearance, similar to chloroform, which it also smells similarly to. It is a versatile solvent, though it does form azeotropes with water and many other solvents.

Availability

1,2-Dichloroethane is mostly bought from chemical suppliers rather than ordinary retail stores due to its inherent dangers.

Preparation

1,2-Dichloroethane can be prepared by bubbling chlorine through ethene solution (Eg. dissolved in Carbon Tetrachloride) with a Iron(III) chloride catalyst, or bubbling oxygen through a solution of 1 molar part ethene to four molar parts Hydrochloric acid with a Copper(II) chloride catalyst. The first procedure produces pure 1,2-dichloroethane, while the second results in water as well.

Projects

• Ethylenediamine synthesis
• Make PVC

Safety

Ethylene dichloride is toxic (by inhalation), flammable, and a carcinogen. All these hazards are amplified by the chemical's volatile nature. This chemical is also unstable when in the presence of aluminium, zinc, and iron.