The five main processes used in the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) are:
(1) direct chlorination of ethylene to form EDC
(2) oxychlorination of ethylene to form from recycled HCl and oxygen,
(3) purification of EDC,
(4) thermal cracking of EDC to form VCM and HCl, and
(5) the purification of VCM.