The synthesis of vinyl chloride is the key of polyvinyl chloride production.There are two main methods for synthesis of vinyl chloride:hydrochlorination of acetylene and oxychlorination of ethylene.The synthesis process of vinyl chloride from acetylene hydrochlorination was introduced in this paper.The research progress in novel low-mercury and mercury-free catalysts at home and abroad was reviewed.The development prospects of the catalyst for synthesis of vinyl chloride from acetylene were also outlined.