Single-stage oxychlorination of ethanol to ethylene dichloride using a dual-catalyst bed

The direct production of ethylene dichloride, EDC, from ethanol over a dual-catalyst bed consisting of a zeolite pre-bed and a CuCl2–NaCl/γ-Al2O3 oxychlorination catalyst has been shown to give greater than 80% yield of EDC with ethyl chloride as the main by-product. The effects of temperature, HCl/air ratio and space velocity were investigated. The most effective zeolite was ZSM-5. It is concluded that the main route to EDC was via ethyl chloride and its oxychlorination and disproportionation.

Ethanol oxychlorination over zeolite + CuCl2–NaCl/γ-Al2O3.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (70 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Greater than 80% EDC yield can be achieved directly from ethanol. ▶ ZSM-5 was the most effective zeolite pre-bed. ▶ The main route to EDC was ethanol → ethyl chloride and its oxychlorination. ▶ Opens the possibility of a single-stage process from bio-derived ethanol to EDC.