Polyvinyl alcohol, an organic compound, is a white flake, flocculent or powdery solid, odorless. It is soluble in water, insoluble in gasoline, kerosene, vegetable oil, benzene, toluene, ethylene dichloride, carbon tetrachloride, acetone, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethylene glycol, etc. It is slightly soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide. Polyvinyl alcohol is an important chemical raw material, used to make polyvinyl acetal, gasoline-resistant pipes and vinylon synthetic fibers, fabric treatment agents, emulsifiers, paper coatings, adhesives, glues, etc.