Patent ID: 7091391
Filing Date: 2006-08-15
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. A process for producing olefins, including ethylene, propylene and butenes, from methane, comprising the following steps, operated in tandem: a first reaction step wherein hydrogen chloride, perchloroethylene and oxygen are reacted in the presence of a catalyst, using methane as a diluent, to yield products hexachloroethane and water, a second reaction step wherein the hexachloroethane of the first reaction step is reacted with an excess of methane to produce reaction products comprising methyl chloride, hydrogen chloride and perchloroethylene; a third reaction step wherein methyl chloride of the second reaction step is reacted to give olefins, including ethylene, propylene and butenes, and hydrogen chloride; and wherein the perchloroethylene and untreated methane of the second reaction step and the hydrogen chloride from both the second and third reaction steps are returned to the first reaction step.