Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft

Klaus D Steffen

Fritz Englaender

Process of preparing bis-chloromethyl tetrachlorobenzene of the formula ##STR1## In a first stage xylene is contacted with chlorine for formation of tetrachloroxylene, in the presence of iron chloride catalyst. In a second stage the tetrachloroxylene is contacted with chlorine for formation of (I), in the presence of radical catalyst. According to the invention, the second stage is performed in the presence of iron chloride catalyst from the first stage and in the presence of hexamethylenetetramine for complexing with the iron chloride catalyst. Thereby the iron chloride catalyst does not interfere with the second stage.

Method of preparing bis-(chloromethyl)-tetrachlorobenzenes

A method has been invented for the preparation of phthalide which comprises chlorinating o-toluic acid at 30.degree.-260.degree. C. and recovering the phthalide obtained.

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Hennef, Germany

Klaus D Steffen