Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst composition prepared by combining (A) at least one salt and (B) at least one organic sulfur compound. The salt includes a metal cation of a metal selected from the group consisting of copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, zirconium, titanium, vanadium, niobium, palladium, and platinum and an organic counterion to the metal cation, derived from at least one acidic organic compound selected from the group consisting of those with an approximate pKa value relative to water of at least about 3. The catalyst compositions provided by the invention are useful for the selective chlorination of aromatic compounds such as toluene and o-xylene.

Abstract: A method for ring-halogenating an aromatic compound comprises contacting the aromatic compound with chlorine or bromine in the presence of a catalyst composition, where the catalyst composition comprises at least one salt comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of Group 13 metal; and a counterion derived from an acid having a pKa relative to water of 0 or greater; and at least one organic sulfur compound.

Abstract: Aromatic compounds such as toluene and o-xylene are chlorinated in the presence of a catalyst combination prepared by combining (A) at least one salt comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of a Group 4–12 metal, a lanthanide and an actinide; and a counterion; and (B) at least one organic sulfur compound, preferably phenothiazine-N-carbonyl chloride. The catalyst combination may include reaction products of (A) and (B). Under these conditions, production of the p-chloro isomer is optimized. In some embodiments said counterion is an organic counterion derived from at least one acidic organic compound selected from the group consisting of those with an approximate pKa value relative to water of at least about 3.

Abstract: Aromatic compounds such as toluene and o-xylene are chlorinated in the presence of a catalyst combination prepared by combining (A) at least one salt comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of a Group 4-12 metal, a lanthanide and an actinide; and a counterion; and (B) at least one organic sulfur compound, preferably phenothiazine-N-carbonyl chloride. The catalyst combination may include reaction products of (A) and (B). Under these conditions, production of the p-chloro isomer is optimized. In some embodiments said counterion is an organic counterion derived from at least one acidic organic compound selected from the group consisting of those with an approximate pKa value relative to water of at least about 3.