What is the Difference Between Ethyl Chloride and Vinyl Chloride?

Ethyl chloride and vinyl chloride are both organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms, but they have different chemical structures and properties. The key difference between ethyl chloride and vinyl chloride is the presence of a single bond versus a double bond between the carbon atoms in their molecular structure.

• Ethyl chloride: This compound has the chemical formula C2H5Cl and contains only single bonds between its atoms. Both carbon atoms in ethyl chloride are sp3 hybridized, meaning that each carbon atom is 25% s.
• Vinyl chloride: This compound has the general chemical formula C2H3Cl and contains a double bond between two carbon atoms. Both carbon atoms in vinyl chloride are sp2 hybridized, meaning that each carbon atom is 33.3% s.

Another distinction between the two compounds is their reaction with alcoholic silver nitrate. Ethyl chloride reacts with alcoholic silver nitrate to give a white precipitate of AgCl, while vinyl chloride does not produce this reaction.

Comparative Table: Ethyl Chloride vs Vinyl Chloride

Here is a table comparing the differences between ethyl chloride and vinyl chloride:

The main difference between ethyl chloride and vinyl chloride is their molecular structure and bond types. Ethyl chloride has a saturated structure with only single bonds, while vinyl chloride has an unsaturated structure with a double bond between two carbon atoms and a single bond between the carbon atom and the chlorine atom.