Vinyl chloride, also known as chloroethene, is a colorless gas that liquefies easily at room temperature. It is slightly soluble in water but soluble in alcohols and ethers. In the presence of light or catalysts, it readily undergoes polymerization. Copolymerization products can be used to produce resins with various properties, which are processed into pipes, boards, films, plastic flooring, various molded products, building materials, coatings, and synthetic fibers. Common preparation methods include the calcium carbide acetylene method, ethane method, and ethylene oxychlorination method, with ethylene oxychlorination being the primary method for vinyl chloride production today. Additionally, vinyl chloride is a monomer used in the production of polyvinyl chloride and its copolymers. Often referred to as vinyl chloride monomer, it is one of the most important chemical products, alongside ethylene and sodium hydroxide.