Vinyltrichlorosilane stands as an essential silicon-based compound. Its molecular formula, C2H3Cl3Si, reflects both simplicity and versatility. Manufacturers source it as a raw material in the synthesis of organosilicon intermediates. With a clear to slightly yellowish liquid form at room temperature, it brings unique properties that downstream sectors like polymer production and specialty coatings count on for enhanced performance. Its HS Code traces under 2931, listing it among organo-inorganic compounds, which guides customs processes and international trading protocols.
At the structural level, Vinyltrichlorosilane represents a silane with three chlorine atoms and a single vinyl group bonded to the central silicon. This arrangement provides reactive sites for further chemical transformation, making it suitable for advanced syntheses. The product flows as a volatile liquid, with a pointed, acrid odor reminiscent of other chlorosilanes. Standard density measures close to 1.18 g/cm³, placing it at a higher mass-per-volume ratio than water. The boiling point sits around 91°C, and this reactivity becomes especially apparent in the presence of moisture—the compound hydrolyzes vigorously, letting off hydrogen chloride gas and forming silanols or polysiloxanes. Its refractive index sits approximately at 1.410, showing how it interacts with light when engineers evaluate samples in the lab.
Most commercial applications adopt Vinyltrichlorosilane as a colorless to faintly colored liquid, but handling and shipping can sometimes convert portions to a crystalline solid at low temperatures or through slow hydrolysis. Occasionally found in sealed containers as a fine, glass-like powder or even as flakes or pearls, form variations come down to packaging and shipping conditions rather than fundamental differences. The product doesn’t dissolve in water, instead reacting quite energetically, but it shows reasonable miscibility in organic solvents like toluene, benzene, or chloroform, which proves useful for formulation and blending. The material weighs in at roughly 1.18 kilograms per liter, so rugged drums and glass-lined tanks often do the heavy lifting for storage. Some users also work with dilute solutions that balance reactivity and safety during surface treatments or polymer syntheses.
Hazard classification flags Vinyltrichlorosilane as corrosive and dangerous. Contact with eyes, skin, or the respiratory system causes acute burns and serious irritation, with vapors posing a threat to mucous membranes. The chemical breaks down in water or humid air, releasing hydrochloric acid fumes that worsen risk levels for operators without proper gear. Inhalation may bring coughing, chest pain, or even pulmonary edema in higher concentrations. Spills of this chemical do not clean up easily—it clings to surfaces, reacts with air moisture, and latches onto glassware. When I’ve worked in labs alongside silanes, strict protocols always ruled the day: full face shields, butyl gloves, chemical-resistant aprons, and constant airflow in fume hoods. Storing the material in dry, tightly sealed drums away from water sources becomes the front line of safe practice. Teams always have calcium carbonate on hand for neutralization, ensuring a prompt response to leaks or minor spills.
Industries look to Vinyltrichlorosilane because its reactive sites open doors to countless downstream syntheses. The presence of the vinyl group enables robust silicone polymer formation, acting as a link between inorganic and organic frameworks. Textile finishing, surface modification, and the formulation of durable, water-repellent coatings all draw heavily from organosilicon intermediates derived from this compound. Its reliable structure suits both high-value electronics production and mass-market sealant manufacturing, where uniformity and purity take priority. This versatility drives global production volumes, positioning it as a backbone material for chemists and engineers alike in fields ranging from paint additives to advanced microelectronics.
Though vital, Vinyltrichlorosilane creates persistent waste streams wherever handling runs afoul of best-practice containment. Releases to air, especially in humid environments, produce a mist of hydrochloric acid that corrodes metals and damages plant operations. Accidental release into water stems from faulty containers or incautious waste disposal. Over the years, I’ve observed that sites with well-trained EHS teams fare notably better, using closed-loop recycling and scrubbing systems to mitigate hazards. The industry continues exploring lower-toxicity silanes, aiming to swap out chlorine for less reactive groups—though process yield and economic costs still slow the shift. Teams installing state-of-the-art ventilation, automated transfer lines, and on-site neutralization remain ahead on both safety and compliance.
Reliable metrics guide every transaction involving Vinyltrichlorosilane. Buyers routinely demand purity above 99%, measured by advanced gas chromatography techniques and confirmed with NMR analysis. Spec sheets specify density, boiling point, water content, and often particle size for non-liquid deliveries. The upstream chemistry calls for silicon tetrachloride and ethylene as raw materials, requiring clean feedstock and tightly controlled reactors to prevent contamination or runaway reactions. Vendors must ensure packaging meets both regulatory and practical thresholds, with some customers asking for bespoke glass ampoules, others opting for stainless drums lined with inert polymer coatings. My experience shows that quality assurance—backed by third-party certificates, transparent chain-of-custody records, and prompt customer technical support—makes the difference between steady, repeat clients and regulatory headaches.
