PRODUCTION OF 1,2-DICHLORETHANE WITH PURIFICATION OF LORETHANE RECYCLE

摘要

An improved process is provided for the production of 1,2-dichloroethane by chlorination of ethylene with chlorine in a liquid medium comprising 1,2-dichloroethane at a temperature of between 85.degree.C. and 160-C., and in which a stream of 1,2-dichloroethane containing a minor amount of chloroprene is available for introduction into the ethylene chlorination reaction zone, the improvement whereby introduction of chloroprene, chlorinated derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof into the ethylene chlorination reaction zone is substantially avoided. The improvement comprises subjecting the stream of 1,2-dichloroethane to a controlled prechlorination by contacting it with a chlorination agent selected from the group consisting of chlorine and aluminum chloride, wherein between 0.5 and 2 moles of chlorine chloride is utilized per mole of chloroprene, at a temperature of between 0.degree.C. and 100.degree.C., so as partially to chlorinate the chloroprene therein to produce one or more further chlorinated derivatives thereof; separating the further chlorinated derivatives of chloroprene from the 1,2-dichloroethane; and introducing the 1,2-dichloroethane substantially free of chloroprene or chlorinated derivatives thereof, into the ethylene chlorination reaction zone. This process provides a more efficient utilization of the chlorination agent and production of more chlorinated product.