Catalytic Oxidation of 1,1 -Dichloroethane

The catalytic oxidation of 1,1-dichloroethane was investigated over a commercial Cr2O3/Al2O3 catalyst at 500ppm and 30 to 500°C. Vinyl chloride was observed as an intermediate in the oxidation process, being formed to significant extents between 230 and 330°C. This suggests HCI abstraction as the first step in the catalytic oxidation process. Similar experiments on 1.1,1-trichloroethane showed the presence of a 1,1-dichloroelhylene intermediate, supporting the HCI abstraction hypothesis. In both cases, no carbon-chlorine bonds were left at 500°C. No significant carbon monoxide formation was observed, with the material balance on carbon atoms being satisfied by carbon dioxide at 500°C.