| abstract |
A process for preparing 1,2-dichloroethane in high yield with depression of side reactions forming 1,1,2-trichloroethane etc. in considerable amounts, by reacting ethylene with chlorine in 1,2-dichloroethane containing a metal chloride catalyst at 65 to 160°C, which comprises adding to said reaction medium 0.001 wt% or more of at least one aromatic compound selected from the group consisting of benzene hydrocarbons and phenols represented by the following general formula:n (wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a hydroxy group) and chlorinated products thereof. |