Calcium Carbide (CaC₂): Produced by heating lime (from limestone) and coke (from coal) in an electric arc furnace at a very high temperatures (About 2000°C).

Water (H₂O): Used to generate acetylene from the carbide.

Hydrogen Chloride (HCl): Reacts with acetylene to form the monomer.

The PVC produced via the calcium carbide route is widely used in applications where cost-effectiveness and rigidity are prioritized over high-end optical clarity or extreme thermal stability. Due to its specific rheological properties (broader molecular weight distribution), it is exceptionally suited for general-purpose and construction materials.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the world's third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer. While the dominant global route for PVC production relies on petroleum-based ethylene, a significant alternative method utilizes buy calcium carbide (CaC₂) as the starting raw material. This method is often referred to as the "Carbide Process" or "Coal-based Route" because it relies heavily on coal and limestone rather than crude oil.