Halogenation process

Abstract

A process for the manufacture of halogenated hydrocarbons which comprises contacting a hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon feedstock with a solution of a halide carrier to halogenate the feedstock whereby the halide carrier is reduced to a spent carrier and regenerating the halide carrier by electrolysis of the spent carrier solution from the halogenation reaction by electrolyzing the spent carrier solution in the presence of halide ions under conditions whereby deposition of metal or metal salts and liberation of elemental halogen are substantially avoided. In particular embodiments, the feedstock is halogenated using a non-aqueous solution of the halide carrier in which the ratio of halide ion:metal ion of the halide carrier is below 2:1, preferably about 1:1 and regeneration of the halide carrier is carried out in a three-compartment cell having two ion-exchange membranes or a diaphragm and a membrane. The halide carrier is a halide salt of a metal of variable valency in which the metal is in a higher valency state, especially cupric chloride or ferric chloride.