Vinyl - Definition and Overview

A vinyl is an organic molecule containing a vinyl group:

H       R
 \     /
  C = C
 /     \
H       H

where R represents a functional group such as a hydrocarbon or halogen.

The polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is frequently referred to as vinyl, and is made by polymerization of the monomer vinyl chloride (CH₂=CHCl).

See also:

• Vinyl record
• Vinyl roof
• Plastic
• Vinyl siding