How does chloromethane compare with other methane chlorides in terms of production and use?

How does chloromethane compare with other methane chlorides in terms of production and use?
Methane chlorides comprise monochloromethane, dichloromethane, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride. The mainstream route is methanol hydrochlorination to monochloromethane, followed by thermal chlorination to higher chlorinated products. Monochloromethane feeds silicones, pesticides, and butyl rubber; dichloromethane is a solvent and feedstock for refrigerant R32; chloroform mainly produces R22, a precursor to PTFE. Carbon tetrachloride is heavily restricted due to ozone depletion. The industry sits at the crossroads of chlor-alkali and fluorosilicon materials. Integrated producers like those in Shandong are expanding chloromethane capacity to support downstream fluoropolymers and silicones, reflecting its strategic role. Environmental regulations have shifted production toward methanol-based routes, which are milder and more feedstock-flexible than direct methane chlorination.