Patent ID: 6177599
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
An improved process for manufacturing chlorinated hydrocarbon with reduced formation of chlorobenzenes, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), said process starting with C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 hydrocarbon reactant selected from the group consisting of methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, propylene, methylacetylene, and halogen substituted versions thereof, said process comprising: contacting said reactant with oxygen or oxygenated gas and hydrogen chloride, wherein at least a portion of the hydrogen chloride to be consumed is obtained from an external source other than from recovery from the thermal cracking of the product produced in said oxychlorination process, said contacting is conducted in the presence of an oxychlorination catalyst in a heated reaction zone operating at from 150.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. wherein chlorinated hydrocarbon is recovered from the effluents of the reaction zone, the process is characterized by the fact that the hydrogen chloride is pretreated with a means for removal of the aromatic hydrocarbons.