Synthetic resins and their raw materials / A survey of the types and uses of synthetic resins, the organization of the industry, and the trade in resins and raw materials, with particular references to factors essential to tariff consideration. Under the general provisions of section 332, title III, part II, Tariff act of 1930.

by United States Tariff Commission

Description and uses.

Vinyl acetate is an unsaturated ester of the hypothetical vinyl alcohol. It is made from acetylene and acetic acid, and is a colorless liquid with a pleasant sweetish odor, boiling at 73° C. On account of its tendency to polymerize to polyvinyl acetate, a trace of copper salt is added for shipment. To render the vinyl acetate chemically active again, the copper salt is removed by distillation. At present the sole use of vinyl acetate is for the manufacture of synthetic resins. (See pp. [43-50].)

Vinyl chloride, a salt of vinyl alcohol, is obtained commercially from acetylene. It is a gas (boiling at about minus 14° C.) used in the manufacture of synthetic resins. Vinyl chloride mixed with vinyl acetate is polymerized to a synthetic resin.