Substance profile
1,1-dichloroethylene
1,1-dichloroethylene is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor resembling that of chloroform.
01 · Identification
What 1,1-dichloroethylene is
1,1-dichloroethylene is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor resembling that of chloroform. Its molecular formula is C2H2Cl2 and its molecular weight is 96.94 g/mol. It boils at 31.6 °C, melts at -122 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for 1,1-dichloroethylene
- vinylidene chloride
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H224 | Extremely flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P271, P280, P304, P308, P312, P313, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,1-dichloroethylene properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 31.6 °C (88.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 31.67 °C (89 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 31.72 °C (89.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -122.5 °C (-188.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -122.78 °C (-189 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.21 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.2129 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.21 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ethanol, acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride; very soluble in ethyl ether, chloroform. | HSDB | ||
| In water, 2,420 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 500 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 500 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 600 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -19 °C (-2.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| -17.78 °C (0 °F) | HSDB | ||
| -28.33 °C (-19 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 570 °C (1058 °F) | HSDB | |
| 530 °C (986 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 6.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 7.3 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 15.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 16 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 3.25 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.3 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor threshold (air) = 2000-5500 mg/cu m | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 220.8 °C (429.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Vinylidene chloride may be corrosive or unstable in the presence of steel. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,1-dichloroethylene
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature 2 - 8 °C. Air and moisture sensitive. Light sensitive. Store under inert gas. Over time, pressure may increase causing containers to burst.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents, copper, aluminum, and its alloys, peroxides, strong bases, oxygen.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Peroxidizable monomer, such as VINYLIDENE CHLORIDE, may initiate exothermic polymerization of the bulk material [Bretherick 1979. p. 160, 187]. Mixing vinylidene chloride in equal molar portions in a closed container with any of the following substances caused the temperature and pressure to increase: chlorosulfonic acid, nitric acid, or oleum [NFPA 1991]. Its reaction products with ozone are particularly dangerous [Dow Chemical, 1968]. This may extend to other powerful oxidants, as various peroxides are produced.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,1-dichloroethylene in the storage compatibility matrix →