Ethylene dichloride, also known as 1,2-dichloroethane, is a colorless, oily, heavy liquid with a chloroform-like odor and a sweet taste:
Chemical formula: C2H4Cl2
Molecular weight: 98.96 g/mol
Density: 10.4 lb/gal
Flash point: 56F
Vapor pressure: 64 mm Hg at 20C
Ethylene dichloride is highly flammable and has several hazards, including:
Inhalation: Can cause nausea, drunkenness, and depression
Eye contact: Can cause corneal injury
Skin contact: Can cause a burn
Mixing with liquid ammonia: Can cause an explosion
Combustion products: Can generate toxic and irritating gases like hydrogen chloride and phosgene
Ethylene dichloride is used in many applications, including:
Vinyl chloride production: A major use of ethylene dichloride is in the production of vinyl chloride, which is used to make plastics and vinyl products
Solvent: Ethylene dichloride is used as a solvent
Leaded gasoline: Ethylene dichloride is added to leaded gasoline to remove lead
Ethylene dichloride was first produced in 1794 by the Society of Dutch Chemists. It was originally called "Dutch oil".