Introduction
1,2-Dichloroethane - usually called EDC (ethylene dichloride), and sometimes labeled DCE - is a chlorinated organic compound best known as the feedstock for PVC production. It's worth clearing up the naming right away: EDC (CAS 107-06-2) is a different compound from 1,2-dichloroethylene, and the two get mixed up often enough that it's worth double-checking which one a supplier or spec sheet is actually referring to before you order. This page covers what EDC is, its physical properties, where it's actually used today, and the safety and sourcing details buyers need to know given its toxicity classification.
1. Basic Identification
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 1,2-Dichloroethane |
| Common Name | Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) |
| CAS No. | 107-06-2 |
| Chemical Family | Chlorinated Hydrocarbon |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
2. Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 83.5°C |
| Melting Point | -35.7°C |
| Density | 1.253 g/cm³ (20°C) |
| Flash Point | About 13°C (closed cup) |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents |
The flash point sitting around 13°C means EDC is flammable at essentially any normal ambient temperature - not just in hot climates or during summer storage. That's worth flagging on its own before getting into the safety section below.
3. What Is 1,2-Dichloroethane Used For?
Chemical Raw Material
This is EDC's dominant use by a wide margin: it's the primary precursor for vinyl chloride monomer, which is the feedstock for PVC. Most of the EDC produced globally goes into this single pathway. It's also used as an intermediate for chlorinated aromatics and other chlorinated derivatives.
Solvent
EDC is used in extraction, separation, and cleaning processes, and shows up in blending applications for paints, shoe materials, and essences. This is a secondary use compared to its role in PVC feedstock, but still commercially relevant.
Refrigerant
EDC has a history as a refrigerant, but that application is now obsolete for environmental and toxicity reasons - you won't find it specified for this purpose in current equipment.
Pesticide Manufacture
It's used as a synthetic component in certain pesticide formulations.
Pharmaceutical Industry
EDC functions as a solvent or reaction medium in some drug preparation processes.
Gasoline Additive
Historically used as a lead-scavenging additive in leaded gasoline, this use has been largely phased out along with leaded fuel itself.
4. Active Uses vs. Discontinued Uses
| Application | Status |
|---|---|
| Vinyl chloride monomer / PVC feedstock | Dominant, active use |
| Chlorinated aromatics / derivatives intermediate | Active |
| Solvent (extraction, cleaning, blending) | Active |
| Pesticide component | Active |
| Pharmaceutical solvent/reaction medium | Active |
| Refrigerant | Obsolete |
| Leaded gasoline additive | Largely phased out |
5. Safety Notes
1,2-Dichloroethane is a flammable liquid (flash point about 13°C) with documented multi-organ toxicity, and it's classified as a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B) based on evidence of carcinogenicity and mutagenicity in animal studies. That combination - flammable plus toxic plus a carcinogenicity classification - means it needs to be handled with more caution than a typical industrial solvent.
Use with adequate ventilation and appropriate PPE
Avoid prolonged skin contact and inhalation
Store in a cool, ventilated area away from ignition sources
Given the low flash point, storage areas should follow the same precautions used for other common flammable solvents, with the added requirement of ventilation controls appropriate for a suspected carcinogen.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1,2-dichloroethane used for?
Mainly as the feedstock for vinyl chloride monomer and PVC production, and secondarily as a solvent in extraction, cleaning, and blending applications.
Is EDC the same as DCE?
The abbreviation "DCE" is sometimes used loosely for 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC), but it's also used for 1,2-dichloroethylene - a different compound. Always confirm the CAS number (107-06-2 for EDC) rather than relying on the abbreviation alone.
Is 1,2-dichloroethane flammable?
Yes. Its flash point is about 13°C, so it's classified as a flammable liquid.
Is 1,2-dichloroethane a carcinogen?
It's classified as a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B), based on carcinogenicity and mutagenicity data in animal studies.
What is the CAS number of 1,2-dichloroethane?
107-06-2.
Is 1,2-dichloroethane still used as a refrigerant?
No, that use is obsolete for environmental and toxicity reasons.
8. Conclusion
1,2-Dichloroethane (EDC) is used overwhelmingly as the feedstock for vinyl chloride monomer and PVC, with solvent, pesticide, and pharmaceutical applications playing a smaller supporting role. Its flammability and IARC 2B classification mean documentation, ventilation, and regulatory compliance deserve as much attention as price when sourcing it.
Looking for 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC) for industrial or bulk applications? Contact us for specifications, COA, packaging options, and a quotation.