Chloroprene

Acetylene process

Until the 1960s, chloroprene production was dominated by the "acetylene process," which was modeled after the original synthesis of vinylacetylene.^[4] In this process, acetylene is dimerized to give vinyl acetylene, which is then combined with hydrogen chloride to afford 4-chloro-1,2-butadiene (an allene derivative), which in the presence of copper(I) chloride, rearranges to the targeted 2-chlorobuta-1,3-diene:^[3]

This process is energy-intensive and has high investment costs. Furthermore, the intermediate vinyl acetylene is unstable. This "acetylene process" has been replaced by a process which adds Cl₂ to 1,3-butadiene, giving 1,4-dichloro-2-butene. Isomerization of the latter gives 1,2-dichloro-3-butene, which undergoes dehydrochlorination::

CH₂=CHCH=CH₂ + Cl₂ → ClCH₂CH=CHCH₂Cl

ClCH₂CH=CHCH₂Cl → ClCH₂CHClCH=CH₂

ClCH₂CHClCH=CH₂ → CH₂=CClCH=CH₂ + HCl

Hazards

Chloroprene is toxic. It is reactive towards air, producing peroxides, which are also toxic. Handling of and exposure to chloroprene poses an occupational health risk to workers involved in the manufacture and production of neoprene.

GHS hazard pictograms that apply to chloroprene. From left: flammability; carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitization, target organ toxicity, or aspiration toxicity; irritant (skin and eye), skin sensitizer, respiratory tract irritant, hazardous to ozone layer, may have narcotic effects; aquatic toxicity; and acute toxicity (fatal or toxic).^[6][7]

As a way to visually communicate hazards associated with chloroprene exposure, the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals has designated the following hazards for exposure to chloroprene: flammable, toxic, dangerous to the environment, health hazard and irritant. Chloroprene poses fire hazard (flash point −4 °F (−20 °C)).^[8] OSHA identifies chloroprene as a category 2 flammable liquid and emphasizes that at least one portable fire extinguisher should be within 10 and no more than 25 feet away from the flammable liquid storage area.^[9] OSHA provides resources on addressing flammable liquids at industrial plants which is where the likely exposure to chloroprene exists (see external resources). As a vapor, chloroprene is heavier than air.

According to the National Fire Protection Association's rating system, chloroprene is designated with a category 2 health hazard (temporary incapacitation or residual injury), a category 3 fire hazard (ignition under the presence of moderate heat), and a category 1 reactivity (unstable at high temperatures and pressures).^[10][11]

Chronic exposure to chloroprene may have the following symptoms: liver function abnormalities, disorders of the cardiovascular system, and depression of the immune system.^[8]

The Environmental Protection Agency designated chloroprene as likely to be carcinogenic to humans based on evidence from studies that showed a statistically significant association between occupational chloroprene exposure and the risk of lung cancer.^[12] As early as 1975, NIOSH had identified the potential health hazards of chloroprene in their bulletin primarily citing two Russian cohort studies from those working with chloroprene in an occupational setting.^[13]

Hazard controls

Several epidemiological studies and toxicological reports provide evidence of chloroprene's capability to inflict occupational health and safety concerns. However, varying reviews of the degree to which chloroprene should be held responsible for health concerns highlight the criticality of sound scientific research.^[14][15][16] Only one fatality as a result of chloroprene intoxication has been recorded which was a result of cleaning a container used for chloroprene.^[16]

The primary occupational concern for chloroprene is limited to the facilities producing chloroprene and using chloroprene to produce the synthetic rubber, polychloroprene.^[12]

The high vaporization potential and flammability of chloroprene has significant implications for handling and storage operations in the occupational setting. Chloroprene should be stored in closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area with the temperature no higher than 50 °F (10 °C). In addition, chloroprene has a high reactivity and should be stored away from oxidizing agents such as perchlorate, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, nitrates, chlorine, bromine, and fluorine. All activities inducing a potential fire hazard should be avoided. For instance, smoking, having open flames or using sparking tools to open or close storage containers should be prohibited. It is also advised that grounded and bonded metal containers are used for the transport of chloroprene.^[17]

Occupational exposure limits

A table of occupational exposure limits (OELs) from various jurisdictions follows. In general, the OELs range from 0.55 ppm to 25 ppm.^[18]

In the ACGIH's 2018 TLV and BEI booklet, chloroprene was designated with a skin and an A2 notation. The skin notation designation is based on animal and human research that have shown chloroprene's ability to be absorbed by the skin.^[19] An A2 designation by the ACGIH means that the substance is a suspected human carcinogen with support from human data that are accepted as adequate in quality but may not be enough to declare an A1 (known human carcinogen) designation. Additionally, the TLV basis for these designations are due to scientific studies that show an association between chloroprene exposure and lung cancer, upper respiratory tract (URT) and eye irritation.^[20]

Chronic effects

Chloroprene is classified as a polytropic poison, and it causes organic disturbances in the nervous system and cardiovascular system. Examinations of the cardiovascular system show muffled heart sounds, reduced arterial pressure, and tachycardia. Within exposed workers, they report respiratory problems, eye and skin irritation, chest pains, and neurological symptoms.^[21]

Environment

The fate of chloroprene in the environment has been examined.^[22] Due to its volatility and extreme reactivity, it is not expected to bioaccumulate.^[12]

The only known environmental effect is related to how chloroprene is volatile and spreads rapidly through the air. This highly flammable component increases the possibility of causing a fire or explosion releasing irritating or toxic fumes (or gases).^[23]

In 2022, a request made by Denka to regulate chloroprene emissions was rejected by EPA. The request establishes a revision of EPA’s 2010 assessment of the chemical, arguing that the model used to estimate human cancer risk based on experiments, performed on mice, was not rigorous.^[24]

Transportation

Only stabilized chloroprene can be transported in U.S..

Effects on the human body

Chloroprene, if inhaled in any amount over 1ppm is toxic to the human body. Chloroprene is carcinogenic, can cause temporary hair loss on the exposed area, and can cause damage to the eyes and skin.^[25]