Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to compositions comprising substrate-free 2D crystalline nanomaterials of binary compounds of formula (M)x(Te)y, and the method of making and using the substrate-free crystalline 2D crystalline nanomaterial.

Abstract: Process for operating a distillation column for the removal of water and lower-boiling components than 1,2-dichloroethane from 1,2-dichloroethane in which at least part of the heat from condensation of the aqueous vapors from the distillation column is used to concentrate caustic soda solution by evaporation; furthermore, at least part of the 1,2-dichloroethane formed when chlorine and ethylene react in a direct chlorination unit is used to heat said distillation column and can subsequently also be used as a heat transfer fluid to concentrate caustic soda solution by evaporation.

Abstract: With a method for utilization of the reaction heat that occurs in the production of 1,2-dichloroethane from ethylene, by reaction with oxygen and hydrochloride (oxychlorination), in a fluidized bed reactor, with dissipation of this reaction heat through cooling pipe bundles situated within the reactor, positioned in the fluidized bed, utilization of the heat is supposed to be improved, while simultaneously reducing the size of the corresponding system elements. This is achieved in that part of the reaction heat is dissipated by heating boiler feed water, whereby the heated boiler feed water is used to heat heat sinks in the production process.

Abstract: A catalyst for oxychlorination according to the present invention contains alumina and copper, and a content of copper is in the range from 5 to 20% by weight calculated as that of CuO, while a content of halogen is not more than 5% by weight. The catalyst is produced by the following steps (a) to (c): (a) preparing a slurry for spray-drying by adding an acid and an aqueous solution of cupric nitrate in a pseudo-boehmite alumina slurry; (b) spray-drying the slurry; and (c) burning the particles obtained in step (b).

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) starting from a stream of ethane which is subjected to a catalytic oxydehydrogenation (ODH) producing a gas mixture containing ethylene then dried and subjected to an absorption to be separated into a fraction enriched with the compounds that are lighter than ethylene containing some of the ethylene conveyed to a chlorination reactor R1 in which most of the ethylene is converted into DCE, and into a fraction F1 which is subjected to a desorption D1 to be separated into an ethylene fraction depleted of the compounds that are lighter than ethylene conveyed to a chlorination reactor R2, the stream of products derived from this reactor being added to the dry gas mixture, and into a fraction F2. Fraction F2 is then subjected to a desorption D2 to be separated into a fraction enriched with ethylene conveyed to an oxychlorination reactor in which most of the ethylene is converted into DCE, and into a fraction F3 which is recycled to the absorption.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) starting from a stream of ethane which is subjected to a catalytic oxydehydrogenation (ODH) producing a gas mixture containing ethylene, then dried and subjected to an absorption to be separated into a fraction enriched with the compounds that are lighter than ethylene containing some of the ethylene conveyed to a chlorination reactor in which most of the ethylene is converted to DCE, and into a fraction F1. Fraction F1 is then subjected to a desorption to be separated into a fraction enriched with ethylene conveyed to an oxychlorination reactor in which most of the ethylene is converted into DCE, and into a fraction F3.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) starting from a stream of ethane which is subjected to a catalytic oxydehydrogenation (ODH) thus producing a gas mixture containing ethylene which is then dried and conveyed to a chlorination reactor supplied with a flow of chlorine so that at least 10% of the ethylene is converted to DCE. The stream of products derived from the chlorination reactor is then conveyed to an oxychlorination reactor in which the majority of the balance of ethylene is converted to DCE.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane starting with a hydrocarbon source according to which: a) the hydrocarbon source is subjected to cracking which produces a mixture of products containing ethylene and other constituents; b) the said mixture of products is separated into at least one fraction containing ethylene and into a heavy fraction (fraction C); c) the fraction or fractions containing ethylene are conveyed to a chlorination reactor and/or to an oxychlorination reactor, in which reactors most of the ethylene present is converted to 1,2-dichloroethane; d) the 1,2-dichloroethane obtained is separated from the streams of products derived from the chlorination and oxychlorination reactors and it is conveyed to the pyrolysis oven; and e) the fraction C is conveyed to cracking or to the oven for pyrolysis of 1,2-dichloroethane as fuel.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane starting with a hydrocarbon source according to which: a) the hydrocarbon source is subjected to cracking which produces a mixture of products containing ethylene and other constituents; b) the mixture of products containing ethylene is conveyed to at least one storage reservoir; c) a chlorination reactor and/or an oxychlorination reactor is (are) supplied with the previously stored mixture of products containing ethylene, in which reactors most of the ethylene present is converted to 1,2-dichloroethane; d) the 1,2-dichloroethane obtained is separated from the streams of products derived from the chlorination and oxychlorination reactors.

Abstract: Oxychlorination catalyst containing at least copper as an active element deposited on a support characterized in that the support consists essentially of an alumina obtained by calcination of an alumina hydrate obtained as by-product of the ALFOL® linear primary alcohol process and use of such catalyst in an oxychlorination process of a hydrocarbon containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Catalyst for the fixed bed oxychlorination of ethylene to 1.2-dichloroethane in form of hollow cylindrical granules having total pore volume from 0.4 to 0.55 ml/g prevailingly formed of micro and mesopores having diameter between 7 and 50 nm, wherein the mesopores constitute the major component, and the macropores having diameter of more than 50 nm up to 10.000 nm being present by 15-35%.

Abstract: Catalysts for the oxychlorination of ethylene to 1.2-dichloroethane, in form of hollow granules having definite geometrical configuration and pore volume distribution with at least 20% of the total volume formed of macropores wherein the diameter of the pores at the maximum of the macropore distribution curve is higher than 800 nm and up to 1500 nm.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane starting with a hydrocarbon source according to which: a) the hydrocarbon source is subjected to cracking which produces a mixture of products containing ethylene and other constituents; b) the said mixture of products is separated into a fraction enriched with compounds which are lighter than ethylene, containing part of the ethylene (fraction A), into a fraction enriched with ethylene (fraction B) and into a heavy fraction (fraction C); c) fraction A is conveyed to a chlorination reactor and fraction B to an oxychlorination reactor, in which reactors most of the ethylene present in fractions A and B is converted to 1,2-dichloroethane; d) the 1,2-dichloroethane obtained is separated from the streams of products derived from the chlorination and oxychlorination reactors.

Abstract: A reactor with swing feeds is provided for oxychlorination. This reactor comprises multiple inlets with controls capable of introducing feed streams sequentially to the reactor. In one configuration, a feed stream comprises a paraffin or olefin hydrocarbon such as methane or ethylene, and a second feed stream comprises oxygen and hydrogen chloride. By segregating these feeds, combustion reactions can be minimized and yields of chlorinated components increased.

Abstract: Catalysts for oxychlorination of ethylene to 1,2-dichlorethane, comprising compounds of copper and magnesium supported on gamma alumina, wherein the copper, expressed as metal, is present in a quantity from 7 to 12% by weight and the Mg/Cu ratio is from 0.05 to 1, wherein the distribution of copper in the catalyst particle is such that the ratio X/Y between the concentration of the copper atoms on the surface given by the Al/Cu ratio (X) on the surface (20-30 nm layer) and the concentration given by the Al/Cu ratio (Y) referred to the entire particle is greater than 1.3 and can reach 3.

Abstract: Method for purifying hydrogen chloride gas containing aromatic organic compounds, comprising at least one step of contacting the said hydrogen chloride with a scrubbing agent containing 1,2-dichlorethane.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane starting with a hydrocarbon source according to which: a) the hydrocarbon source is subjected to a first cracking step, namely a pyrolysis step performed in a cracking oven, thus producing a mixture of cracking products; b) the said mixture of cracking products is subjected to a succession of treatment steps ending with a drying step which makes it possible to obtain a mixture of products containing ethylene and other constituents; c) the said mixture of products containing ethylene derived from step b) is separated into at least one fraction containing ethylene and into a heavy fraction; d) the fraction(s) containing the ethylene is (are) conveyed to a chlorination reactor and/or to an oxychlorination reactor, in which reactors most of the ethylene present is converted to 1,2-dichloroethane; e) the 1,2-dichloroethane obtained is separated from the streams of products derived from the chlorination and oxychlorination reactors; the process being characterized i

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) starting with a hydrocarbon source which is subjected to a cracking thus producing a mixture of cracking products then subjected to treatment steps to obtain a mixture of products containing ethylene. The mixture is afterwards subjected to a first separation step into a fraction enriched with the compounds that are lighter than ethylene containing some of the ethylene conveyed to a chlorination reactor in which most of the ethylene is converted to DCE, and into a fraction F1 which is subjected to a second separation step into a fraction F2 and into a heavy fraction. Fraction F2 is afterwards subjected to a third separation step into a fraction enriched with ethylene conveyed to an oxychlorination reactor in which most of the ethylene is converted to DCE, and into a fraction F3 mainly composed of ethane.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) starting from a stream of ethane which is subjected to a catalytic oxydehydrogenation (ODH) producing a gas mixture containing ethylene then dried and subjected to an absorption to be separated into a fraction enriched with the compounds that are lighter than ethylene containing some of the ethylene conveyed to a chlorination reactor R1 in which most of the ethylene is converted into DCE, and into a fraction F1 which is subjected to a desorption D1 to be separated into an ethylene fraction depleted of the compounds that are lighter than ethylene conveyed to a chlorination reactor R2, the stream of products derived from this reactor being added to the dry gas mixture, and into a fraction F2. Fraction F2 is then subjected to a desorption D2 to be separated into a fraction enriched with ethylene conveyed to an oxychlorination reactor in which most of the ethylene is converted into DCE, and into a fraction F3 which is recycled to the absorption.

Abstract: Process for operating a distillation column for the removal of water and lower-boiling components than 1,2-dichloroethane from 1,2-dichloroethane in which at least part of the heat from condensation of the aqueous vapours from the distillation column is used to concentrate caustic soda solution by evaporation; furthermore, at least part of the 1,2-dichloroethane formed when chlorine and ethylene react in a direct chlorination unit is used to heat said distillation column and can subsequently also be used as a heat transfer fluid to concentrate caustic soda solution by evaporation.

Abstract: By a process for removing fine dust from a fluidized-bed reactor, in particular for the oxychlorination of ethylene, is intended to permit specific control of the amount of fine dust particles in a reactor while reducing the height of the reactor and the same time filtering off the fine dust from the main stream leading to the quench. This is achieved if the fine dust inside, the reactor is removed via filter cartridges, and the reaction gas mixture is passed to the quench from the reactor dome, a part-stream in the form of a bypass stream having a predetermined fine dust fraction below a predetermined particle size being removed from the reactor in addition to the main stream.

Abstract: An oxidative halogenation and optional dehydrogenation process involving contacting a reactant hydrocarbon having three or more carbon atoms, such as propane or propene, or a halogenated derivative thereof, with a source of halogen, and optionally, a source of oxygen in the presence of a rare earth halide or rare earth oxyhalide catalyst, so as to form a halogenated hydrocarbon product, such as allyl chloride, having three or more carbon atoms and having a greater number of halogen substituents as compared with the reactant hydrocarbon, and optionally, an olefinic co-product, such as propene. The less desired of the two products, that is, the halogenated hydrocarbon or the olefin as the case may be, can be recycled to the process to maximize the production of the desired product.

Abstract: A process for producing vinyl chloride monomer from ethylene and ethane having input of significant quantities of both ethane and ethylene in input streams to the affiliated reactor where hydrogen chloride in the reactor effluent is only partially recovered from the reactor effluent in the first unit operation after the ethane/ethylene-to-vinyl reaction step or stage. Steps are presented of oxydehydro-chlorination catalytic reaction of ethane, ethylene, hydrogen chloride, oxygen, and chlorine; cooling and condensing the reactor effluent stream; and separating the condensed raw product stream into vinyl chloride monomer and a reactor recycle stream.

Abstract: A fluidized-bed reactor for the oxychlorination of ethylene, oxygen and HCL, comprises a heat exchanger, having tube packets in the fluidized-bed for releasing the heat evolved from exothermic reaction to a heat-transfer medium in the tube packets, in particular to water/steam. The tube packets come into contact with water via a ring pipe and the steam being removed via a ring pipe to provide an economical solution with which expensive drilled passages are avoided, the calculation for ring pipes is facilitated and a large number of wall passages is dispensed with. This is achieved by the ring pipe being mounted as a collector or chamber directly on the reactor wall.

Abstract: This invention is a process for producing vinyl chloride from an ethylene-containing feed, oxygen, and a chlorine source in the presence of a catalyst. The process permits direct production of vinyl chloride in a single reactor system, and further permits ethane to be used as the C2 hydrocarbon feed with recycle of ethylene from the product stream to constitute the ethylene specified for the feed. This invention in another aspect concerns also a composition of matter, and a method for making the composition, wherein the composition is useful as a catalyst for the vinyl chloride process. The composition comprises a rare earth-containing material, with the proviso that the catalyst prepared therefrom is substantially free of iron and copper and with the further proviso that when cerium is present the catalyst further comprises at least one more rare earth element other than cerium.

Abstract: Catalysts for oxychlorination of ethylene to 1,2-dichloroethane, comprising compounds of copper and magnesium supported on alumina, in which the copper, expressed as metal, is present in an amount of 7 to 12% by weight and the Mg/Cu ratio is 0.05 to 1, and wherein the ratio between the concentration of copper provided by the Al/Cu ratio at the surface and that provided by the Al/Cu ratio in the entire particle of the catalyst is from 0.8 to 1.3.

Abstract: A process for preparing 1,2-dichloroethane which comprises

Abstract: An oxidative halogenation process involving contacting a hydrocarbon, for example, ethylene, or a halogenated hydrocarbon with a source of halogen, such as hydrogen chloride, and a source of oxygen in the presence of a catalyst so as to form a halocarbon, preferably a chlorocarbon, having a greater number of halogen substituents than the starting hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon, for example, 1,2-dichloroethane. The catalyst is a novel composition comprising copper dispersed on a porous rare earth halide support, preferably, a porous rare earth chloride support. A catalyst precursor composition comprising copper dispersed on a porous rare earth oxyhalide support is disclosed. Use of the porous rare earth halide and oxyhalide as support materials for catalytic components is disclosed.

Abstract: Catalysts for oxychlorination of ethylene to 1,2-dichloroethane, comprising compounds of copper and magnesium supported on alumina, in which the copper, expressed as metal, is present in an amount of 7 to 12% by weight and the Mg/Cu ratio is 0.05 to 1, and wherein the ratio between the concentration of copper provided by the Al/Cu ratio at the surface and that provided by the Al/Cu ratio in the entire particle of the catalyst is from 0.8 to 1.3.

Abstract: A process for producing vinyl chloride monomer where significant quantities of both ethane and ethylene in input streams to the affiliated reactor where hydrogen chloride in the reactor effluent is essentially fully recovered from the reactor effluent in the first unit operation after the ethane/ethylene-to-vinyl reaction step or stage. Steps are presented of oxydehydro-chlorination catalytic reaction of ethane, ethylene, hydrogen chloride, oxygen, and chlorine; quenching the reactor effluent stream to provide a raw product stream having essentially no hydrogen chloride; and separation of the raw product stream into a vinyl chloride monomer product stream and into a lights stream; and recycling the lights steam to the reactor.

Abstract: In one aspect, a process for producing vinyl chloride from ethane/ethylene involving: (a) combining ethane, ethylene, or mixtures thereof with an oxygen source and a chlorine source in a reactor containing a suitable catalyst under conditions sufficient to convert substantially all of the C2 hydrocarbon fed and to produce a product stream comprising vinyl chloride and hydrogen chloride; and (b) recycling unreacted hydrogen chloride back for use in Step (a). No C2 hydrocarbon recycle is required in this process. In another aspect, a process for producing vinyl chloride involving: (a) combining ethane, optionally ethylene, an oxygen source, and a chlorine source in a reactor containing a suitable catalyst under conditions sufficient to produce vinyl chloride and hydrogen chloride; (b) catalytically reacting said hydrogen chloride in a second reactor to provide a second reactor effluent essentially devoid of hydrogen chloride; and (c) recycling said second reactor effluent to step (a).

Abstract: Catalysts for the oxychlorination of ethylene to 1,2-dichloroethylene, comprising compounds of Cu and Mg supported on alumina, in which the copper content, expressed as Cu, is 2 to 8% by weight, the Mg/Cu atomic ratio is from 1.2 to 2.5, and the specific surface of the catalyst is from 30 to 130 m2/g.

Abstract: An oxidative halogenation process involving contacting a hydrocarbon, for example, ethylene, or a halogenated hydrocarbon with a source of halogen, such as hydrogen chloride, and a source of oxygen in the presence of a catalyst so as to form a halocarbon, preferably a chlorocarbon, having a greater number of halogen substituents than the starting hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon, for example, 1,2-dichloroethane. The catalyst is a novel composition comprising copper dispersed on a porous rare earth halide support, preferably, a porous rare earth chloride support. A catalyst precursor composition comprising copper dispersed on a porous rare earth oxyhalide support is disclosed. Use of the porous rare earth halide and oxyhalide as support materials for catalytic components is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 1,2-dichloroethane that is very pure with respect to chloral or/and chloral hydrate and carbon dioxide is described herein. The process comprises oxychlorination of ethylene, using hydrogen chloride and an oxygen-containing gas, and alkali treatment of the 1,2-dichloroethane produced. In the process, the carbon dioxide present in the 1,2-dichloroethane-containing organic phase is, in accordance with the invention, substantially separated out from the 1,2-dichloroethane-containing organic phase before the alkali treatment.

Abstract: In a process for the production of VCM, the gaseous reactants and an inert carrier gas are fed into an adiabatic reaction zone in the oxychlorination section, both reaction zones being associated with an integral fluidised bed, the cooled reaction zone containing a vertically coaxial hollow cooling rod bundle forming a passage. A balanced production of VCM is to be achieved, this being done by selecting a ratio of 1 to 6 inclusive between the equivalent diameter of the passage cross-sectional area and the mean gas bubble pocket diameter of the fluidised bed.

Abstract: To provide a process for recovering high quality hydrogen chloride rationally with good economical efficiency, particularly hydrogen chloride with an elevated quality level to be provided as the feedstock for the oxychlorination reaction in producing dichloroethane and a vinyl chloride monomer from a hydrogen chloride gas to be generated by the combustion of chlorine based waste. To use a process for recovering hydrogen chloride from chlorine based waste comprises adding water and a reducing agent to an acid gas obtained by the combustion of chlorine based waste to effect reaction to obtain a crude hydrogen chloride aqueous solution having an oxidation-reduction potential of not higher than 900 mV and then, distilling the crude hydrogen chloride aqueous solution to obtain a purified hydrogen chloride gas.

Abstract: A process for specific energy saving, especially in processes involving the oxychlorination of ethylene, facilitates recovery of as much sensible heat to be used for other purposes. In the process the gas mixture leaving the oxychlorination reactor is cooled before it enters the quenching column and the heat recovered is then used to preheat the ethylene recycle gas feed stream.

Abstract: A method for the oxychlorination of ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane comprises reacting ethylene with a chlorine source and an oxygen source in a fixed-bed oxychlorination reactor in the presence of a catalyst, and is characterized in that a single reactor is used and ethylene is present in a large molar excess with respect to chlorine. The chlorine source is suitably HCl, the catalyst is suitably a cupric chloride catalyst, and the molar excess of ethylene is preferably between 200 and 700%.

Abstract: Petrochemicals are produced by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with air in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The petrochemical product is removed from the product gas stream, and part or all of the remaining gas stream is passed through a bed of hydrophobic adsorbent, which adsorbs mainly the unreacted hydrocarbon from the gas stream without adsorbing water vapor. The adsorbed hydrocarbon is purged from the bed with air, and the air-hydrocarbon mixture is recycled to the partial oxidation reactor.

Abstract: A method for the catalytic oxychlorination of ethane to VCM comprising combining ethane and a chlorine source in an oxychlorination reactor in the presence of an oxychlorination catalyst, the reaction conditions being selected to reduce the influence of the oxychloride form of the catalyst, separating the VCM product from the output of the reactor and recycling the by-products to the reactor.

Abstract: A method for the production of vinyl chloride monomer by catalytic oxychlorination of ethane wherein HCl is supplied in excess of the stiochiometric requirement for chlorine in the reaction.

Abstract: A method for the catalytic oxychlorination of ethane to VCM comprising the steps of combining ethane and a chlorine source in an oxychlorination reactor with a suitable catalyst to promote the oxychlorination of the ethane, collecting the resultant VCM and by-productsand recycling the by-products to the oxychlorination reactor to participate in the reaction therein.

Abstract: A petrochemical is produced by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with air in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The petrochemical is removed from the reactor effluent, and part or all of the remaining petrochemical-free gas stream is passed through a hydrocarbon-selective adsorbent, which adsorbs hydrocarbon from the gas stream, leaving a hydrocarbon-depleted waste gas. Hydrocarbon is purged from the adsorbent with air, and the air-hydrocarbon mixture is recycled to the partial oxidation reactor. The purge air, and preferably both the purge air and the petrochemical-free gas stream are dried by passage through beds of zeolite 3A prior to being introduced into the hydrocarbon-selective adsorbent, and the beds of zeolite 3A are regenerated by passing heated hydrocarbon-depleted waste gas therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed are an oxychlorination catalyst comprising a carrier material, and a palladium compound, a copper compound and a vanadium compound which are supported on the carrier material; an oxychlorination catalyst comprising a carrier material, and a palladium compound, a copper compound, a vanadium compound and an alkaline earth metal compound which are supported on the carrier material; processes for preparing these catalysts; and a method for oxychlorination of an olefin or an aromatic hydrocarbon using one of these catalysts.

Abstract: Petrochemicals are produced by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with substantially pure oxygen in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In the improved process, the principal product is removed, carbon monoxide, present in the reactor effluent as a byproduct, is oxidized to carbon dioxide and part of the gaseous effluent, comprised mainly of carbon dioxide and unreacted hydrocarbon, is recycled to the reactor. Removal of carbon monoxide from the recycle stream reduces the hazard of a fire or explosion in the reactor or associated equipment. The use of carbon dioxide as the principal diluent increases heat removal from the reactor, thereby increasing the production capacity of the reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalytic composition for oxychlorination, as well as to a process for the oxychlorination of ethylene by means of such a catalytic composition based on copper chloride, magnesium chloride, lithium chloride and at least one other alkali metal chloride, deposited on an inert support. The oxychlorination thus carried out enables an excellent yield to be obtained without the catalytic composition sticking to the walls of the reactor and without the latter being corroded by the catalytic composition employed.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons, e.g., ethylene, are steady-state catalytically oxychlorinated into chlorocarbons, e.g., 1,2-dichloroethane, by fluidizing a fluidizable charge by directing a gaseous feedstream containing a hydrocarbon therethrough and therein oxychlorinating such hydrocarbon, the gaseous feedstream further comprising an oxygen-containing gas and gaseous hydrochloric acid and the fluidizable charge comprising immixture of a catalytically effective amount of an oxychlorination catalyst and particles of a catalytically and chemically inert solid substance, and which further comprises introducing a solution or suspension of a catalytically active copper compound into such fluidized charge during the oxychlorination reaction.

Abstract: A method for producing allyl chloride by oxychlorination of propylene, which comprises reacting propylene, hydrogen chloride and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising an alloy of tellurium supported on a carrier.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the production of a petrochemical by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a suitable catalyst to produce a flammable gaseous product stream comprising the desired petrochemical, unreacted hydrocarbon, oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. In the improved process, a cooled or liquefied inert gas is injected as a quench fluid into the gaseous product stream exiting the hydrocarbon oxidation reactor, thereby cooling the stream to a temperature below the autoignition temperature of the flammable components of the stream, the petrochemical is recovered from the gaseous product and unreacted hydrocarbon is removed from the gaseous product and recycled to the reactor.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are oxychlorinated by reaction with gaseous HCl and an oxygen-containing gas, in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a ternary copper/molybdenum chalcogenide having the formula:Cu.sub.x Mo.sub.6 Ch.sub.8wherein x is a number ranging up to 4 and Ch is sulfur, selenium or tellurium, advantageously, in the added presence of a known oxychlorination catalyst and, optionally, a proportion of inert particulate solids; the ternary molybdenum chalcogenides of the formula M.sub.x Mo.sub.6 S.sub.8 are also prepared, wherein M is a metal, advantageously by the hydrogen gas reduction of intimate admixture of MoS.sub.2 and metal M, or precursors thereof.