What is formed when vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate are combined?

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When vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate are combined, the result is the polymer known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This occurs through a polymerization process where monomers of vinyl chloride (ethenyl chloride) react to form long chains. Although the presence of vinyl acetate can modify the properties of the resulting polymer, the formation of PVC is the primary outcome of the process involving vinyl chloride.

Polyvinyl chloride is widely used in various applications due to its durability and resistance to environmental degradation. It is commonly used in the production of pipes, vinyl flooring, and electrical cable insulation. The combination of vinyl chloride's strong molecular structure with the potential modifiers from vinyl acetate allows manufacturers to tailor the material to specific needs.

In contrast, the other substances listed are unrelated to the combination of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate. Polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene glycol are distinct polymers made from different monomeric units and do not result from the combination of the two vinyl compounds mentioned in the question. Understanding these differences helps clarify why the appropriate answer to the question is derived from the combination of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate into polyvinyl chloride.

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