Method for preparing pentachloroacetone and dichloroacetic acid from isopropyl ethers

摘要

This invention relates to a chemical process for preparing pentachloro-2-propanone (pentachloroacetone) and dichloroacetic acid from isopropyl ethers which may be partially chlorinated. The pentachloroacetone process is carried out by reacting the isopropyl ethers with chlorine in the presence of water to produce pentachloroacetone which can then be recovered. Alternatively, if dichloroacetic acid is desired, the pentachloroacetone process may be carried further by reacting the pentachloroacetone with a base-acting material to produce a salt of dichloroacetic acid and then reacting this salt with acid to produce dichloroacetic acid of about 95% purity.