| abstract |
Catalysts such as antimony halides, which are useful in fluorination reactions involving hydrogen fluoride, may be reduced during the reaction and require regeneration. Regenerative oxidation is usually carried out by introducing elemental halogen, preferably fluorine or chlorine, into the reaction mixture. In accordance with the invention elemental halogen is prevented from coming into contact with starting materials or intermediate products which are reactive therewith. This is preferably achieved by withdrawing part of the reaction mixture from the reactor, mixing the withdrawn part with chlorine or fluorine in order to regenerate the catalyst, and thereafter returning the withdrawn part to the reactor. |