GB470817A - Improvements in the manufacture and production of ethyl chloride - Google Patents

Abstract

Ethyl chloride is produced by reacting a gaseous mixture of vinyl chloride and hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at an elevated temperature, the mixture containing only small amounts, preferably less than 20 per cent by volume, of vinyl chloride. The mixture is preferably lead over the catalyst so rapidly that only half or less of the vinyl chloride is converted. The mixture from the reaction chamber is cooled, the ethyl chloride separated from the vinyl chloride by distillation, and the latter mixed with hydrogen for re-use. Separation may be partial, so that a portion of the ethyl chloride may be returned to the chamber. Reaction temperatures of 50--200 DEG C. are specified. Pressure up to 200 ats. is advantageous. Suitable catalysts are metals of the 8th group of the periodic system, in particular, precious metals of this group, especially palladium and platinum. Other metals such as zinc and nickel, and compounds such as calcium hydride are also suitable. The catalysts are preferably finely distributed on carriers, e.g. silica or alumina gels or active carbon. In the case of precious metals of the 8th group, only about 1 per cent of the active substance should be present. Examples are given.ALSO:Ethyl chloride is produced by reacting a gaseous mixture of vinyl chloride and hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at an elevated temperature, the mixture containing only small amounts, preferably less than 20 per cent by volume, of vinyl chloride. The mixture is preferably lead over the catalyst so rapidly that only half or less of the vinyl chloride is converted. The mixture from the reaction chamber is cooled, the ethyl chloride separated from the vinyl chloride by distillation, and the latter mixed with hydrogen for reuse. Separation may be partial, so that a portion of the ethyl chloride may be returned to the chamber. Reaction temperatures of 50--200 DEG C. are specified. Pressure up to 200 ats. is advantageous. Suitable catalysts are metals of the 8th group of the periodic system, in particular, precious metals of this group, especially palladium and platinum. Other metals such as zinc and nickel, and compounds such as calcium hydride are also suitable. The catalysts are preferably finely distributed on carriers, e.g. silica or alumina gels or active carbon. In the case of precious metals of the 8th group, only about 1 per cent of the active substance should be present. Examples are given.