Question

Explain the method of preparation of PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

Answer 1

Hint: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a polymer of vinyl chloride. PVC is prepared by addition of vinyl chloride in a chain form with the repeated pattern. Vinyl chloride also known as chloroethylene can be obtained by reacting ethylene with hydrochloric acid and oxygen over the surface of copper catalyst.

Complete step by step answer:
For the preparation of polyvinyl chloride, the monomer used is vinyl chloride $\left( {C{H_2} = CHCl} \right)$.
Polyvinyl chloride is prepared by addition polymerisation in which monomers are added in a chain. Vinyl chloride is treated with peracid under pressure and we get polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
$n\left[ {C{H_2} = CHCl} \right]\xrightarrow[{Pressure}]{{Peracid}}{\left[ { - C{H_2} - CHCl - } \right]_n}$

Additional Information: There are two forms of PVC: flexible PVC and rigid PVC, mainly rigid PVC is used. It is used for sewerage pipes and other pipe applications where cost or vulnerability to corrosion limit the use of metal and age of PVC products longer than many metals. Rigid PVC is used in production of pipes, doors, windows and containers. It can be made softer and flexible by adding plasticizers in it. In this form, it is used in insulating electric wires, flooring, phonograph records and at many places PVC replace rubber.

So, option (D) is the correct answer.


Note:PVC is a polymer with good insulator it can be used at some place for providing insulation from electric current. PVC is less stable at high temperature it starts decomposing when its temperature reaches at $140^oC$ or above.