Abstract: A thermochemical reactor (4) and associated processes are disclosed. The reactor (4) and processes are used to conduct reactions relating to the hydrolysis of cupric chloride (CuCl2) within any one of the five-, four- and three-step Cu—Cl cycles. The reactor (4) comprises a reaction chamber (22) including a first zone (24) configured to conduct a spray operation and a second zone (26) configured to conduct a fluidized, fixed and/or moving bed operation. The first zone (24) includes a first inlet (28) configured to introduce a first reactant and an additional inlet (30) configured to introduce an additional reactant. A distributor (34) is configured to introduce the additional reactant to the second zone (26). One or more product outlets (44, 46) for communication with the reaction chamber (22) are provided.