Abstract: A heterogeneous catalytic chlorination process for making chlorinated aromatic compounds with high para-selectivity. Examples of chlorinated aromatic compounds that can be prepared using the process disclosed in the present invention include those compounds represented by the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R can be a C1-C3 alkyl, floride, chloride, bromide, iodide, or hydroxyl group. The chlorination process utilizes a de-aluminated zeolite which is prepared by H.sub.4 EDTA or Na.sub.4 EDTA extraction of L-type zeolite to reduce the alumina content thereof. The SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio of the de-aluminated zeolite is preferably between about 9 and about 40. The de-aluminated zeolite can be ion-exchanged with Group IA or IIA metal ions to further improve its para-selectivity.