Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst for the synthesis of 1,2-dichloroethane by oxychlorination of C.sub.2 H.sub.4 within a fluidized bed, said catalyst containing magnesium, from 1 to 10% by weight of Cu and a carrier consisting of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, said carrier being impregnated, with an aqueous solution containing both CuCl.sub.2 and MgCl.sub.2, the amount of MgCl.sub.2 being such that the molar ratio: ##EQU1## as defined in the text, is at least 40% higher than the molar ratio: ##EQU2## the ratio W=X:Y being therefore .gtoreq.1.40 and the surface area of the carrier ranging between 80 and 170 sq.m/g.

Abstract: A supported catalyst for the C.sub.2 H.sub.4 oxychlorination within a fluidized bed comprising a Cu compound in amounts corresponding to a content from 1 to 10% by weight--as Cu metal--on a carrier preferably selected from the group consisting of microspheroidal Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, microspheroidal SiO.sub.2 and microspheroidal silica-alumina, characterized in that the molar ratio (outer Me/outer Cu), as determined by means of XPS analysis, is at least 40% higher than the molar ratio: ##EQU1## wherein Me is e.g., Al, Si or Al +Si. The invention concerns a supported catalyst for the synthesis of 1,2-dichloroethane, hereinafter DCE, achieved by ethylene oxychlorination, said catalyst being used in the form of a fluidized bed.