Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process comprising contacting a haloalkane reactant with an olefin in the presence of a catalyst system that consists of metallic iron and a phosphine to produce a haloalkane insertion product, wherein said haloalkane reactant is an alkane substituted with at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and combinations thereof. Also disclosed herein is a process comprising contacting CF3CCl3 with CH2?CHX in the presence of a catalyst system that consists of metallic iron and a phosphine to make CF3CCl2CH2CHClX, wherein X?F or Cl. Also disclosed are further reactions in a sequence to produce HFO-1336ze and HCFO-1335zd. Also disclosed herein is a new composition comprising the compound CF3CF2CH?CHCl.

Abstract: The invention first relates to a composition comprising at least 99 wt. % of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane and at least one compound selected from a list of additional compounds consisting of dichloropropanes, trichloropropanes, tetrachloropropanes, pentachloropropanes different from 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane, hexachloropropanes, heptachloropropanes, chloropropenes, dichloropropenes, trichloropropenes, tetrachloropropenes, pentachloropropenes and hexachloropropene, the weight content of said compound in the composition being lower than or equal to 500 ppm.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of haloalkanes, or more particularly to a process for the manufacture of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (HCC-240fa) and/or 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane (HCC-250fb). The process includes (a) mixing a catalyst, co-catalyst and a haloalkane starting material under conditions suitable to produce a homogeneous mixture; (b) reacting the homogeneous mixture with a haloalkene and/or alkene starting material under conditions suitable to produce a haloalkane product stream; and (c) recovering a haloalkane product from said product stream.

Abstract: Processes for the production of alkenes are provided. The processes make use of methane as a low cost starting material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for mitigating HCl generation during 1230xa purification, which comprises the steps of; (a) adding a chelating agent into 1230xa crude, and (b) conducting the 1230xa purification in the presence of said chelating agent at a quantity sufficient to reduce or prevent 1230xa decomposition. Examples of chelating agent include tributyl phosphate (TBP), tripropyl phosphate (TPP), and triethyl phosphate (TEP). The concentration of chelating agent in 1230xa crude can range from 0.001 to 20 wt %, preferably from 0.01 to 10 wt %, and more preferably from 0.1 to 5 wt %.

Abstract: Processes for isolating 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane from a crude product stream containing the 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane and ferric chloride. The processes may include deep distillation of the crude, treatment of the crude with a reagent that deactivates the ferric chloride followed by distillation on the deactivated crude stream, aqueous washing of the crude product stream to remove ferric chloride followed by distillation on the deactivated crude stream. Other embodiments simultaneously prepare 1,1,2,3-tetrachloroprene and 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloroprane.

Abstract: A method of forming chloro-substituted silanes from the reaction of an alkoxysilane with a chlorinating agent in the optional presence of a catalyst is provided. More specifically, chloro-substituted silanes, including but not limited to silicon tetrachloride, are formed by reacting a chlorinating agent, such as thionyl chloride, with an alkylalkoxysilane having the formula (R?O)4-xSiRx, where R and R? are independently selected alkyl groups comprising one or more carbon atoms and x is 0, 1, 2, or 3. The catalyst may be dimethylformamide, (chloromethylene)dimethyliminium chloride, or triethylamine, among others. The chloro-substituted silane formed in the reaction along with several by-products has the formula (R?O)4-x-ySiRxCly; where x is 0, 1, 2, or 3 and y is 1, 2, 3, or 4. One of the by-products of the reaction is an alkyl chloride.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to improve 1,1,3-trichloropropene (HCC-1240za) and/or 3,3,3-trichloropropene (HCC-1240zf) selectivity in the dehydrochlorination of 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane (HCC-250fb). In normal practice, FeCl3 is used as the catalyst for the dehydrochlorination of HCC-250fb to produce 1,1,3-trichloropropene and/or 3,3,3-trichloropropene. Here the improvement comprises, using as the starting material, a mixture comprising HCC-250fb and Heavies generated from the reaction of CCl4 and ethylene to produce HCC-250fb, wherein the Heavies comprise one or more tetrachloropentane isomers. These compounds reduce or eliminate the formation of unwanted high boiling compounds (HBCs).

Abstract: Provided are (Z,Z,E)-1-chloro-6,10,12-pentadecatriene that can be synthesized without an oxidation reaction and a method for preparing (Z,Z,E)-7,11,13-hexadecatienal by using (Z,Z,E)-1-chloro-6,10,12-pentadecatriene while not using an oxidation reaction. More specifically, provided is a method for preparing (Z,Z,E)-7,11,13-hexadecatrienal including a step of reacting a Grignard reagent into which (Z,Z,E)-1-chloro-6,10,12-pentadecatriene is converted with ethyl orthoformate to obtain (Z,Z,E)-1,1-diethoxy-7,11,13-hexadecatriene, and a step of treating the (Z,Z,E)-1,1-diethoxy-7,11,13-hexadecatriene with an acid to obtain (Z,Z,E)-7,11,13-hexadecatrienal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the manufacture of haloalkane compounds, and more particularly, an improved process for the manufacture of the compound 1,1,1,3,3-penta-chloropropane (HCC-240fa), which mitigates the formation of by-products from vinyl chloride (CH2?CHCl). The present invention is also useful in the manufacture of other haloalkane compounds such as HCC-250 and HCC-360. One embodiment of the invention comprises a method for mitigating 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexachloropentane and 1,1,1,3,5,5-hexachloropentane formation in the HCC-240fa manufacturing process, in which FeCl3, is introduced to a reactor only after the start-up phase has ended and a continuous operation has started. In a preferred embodiment, “pre-chelated” FeCl3, which is concentrated in a catalyst recovery column, is introduced to reactor after the continuous operation has started.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the manufacture of haloalkane compounds, and more particularly, to an improved process for the manufacture of the compound 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (HCC-240fa), which mitigates the formation of by-products. The present invention is also useful in the manufacture of other haloalkane compounds such as HCC-250 and HCC-360. One embodiment of the process comprises a method and system for avoiding the formation of polyvinyl chloride during the production of HCC-240fa from CCl4, in which vinyl chloride (VCM) is fed into a reactor as a vapor instead of as a liquid, using a diffusing device to further increase the contact surface between VCM vapor and CCl4.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing 2,5-dimethylphenylacetic acid, wherein p-xylene is mixed with paraformaldehyde and concentrated hydrochloric acid in a solvent of ion liquid to obtain 2,5-dimethyl benzyl chloride by the chloromethylation reaction. Then, 2,5-dimethyl benzyl chloride is introduced into a reactor with an acid binding agent and a solvent, the carbonylation and hydrolysis reaction is conducted in the presence of a catalyst to obtain 2,5-dimethylphenylacetic acid. The present process has new route, less synthesis steps, simple operation, lower cost, increased yield, and is friendly to the environment. Therefore, the method is suitable for industrial production.

Abstract: The invention discloses a compound having branching alkyl chains, the method for preparing the same and use thereof in photoelectric devices. By applying the branching alkyl chains as the solubilizing group to the preparation of organic conjugated molecules (for example, organic conjugated polymers), the number of methylenes between the resultant alky side chains and the backbone, i.e., m>1, which can effectively reduce the effect of the alkyl chains on the backbone ?-? stacking, thereby ensuring the solubility of the organic conjugated molecule while greatly increasing the mobility of their carriers. It is suitable for an organic semiconductor material in photoelectric devices such as organic solar cells, organic light emitting diodes and organic field effect transistors, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorovinyl ether functionalized aromatic diesters and derivatives thereof. The compounds disclosed have utility as functionalized monomers and comonomers in polyesters, polyamides, and the like. It has been found that incorporation of the monomers into polymers provides improved soil resistance to shaped articles produced from the polymers.

Abstract: A process of making a chlorinated hydrocarbon through a thermal dehydrochlorination step in which an unsaturated compound represented by the following general formula (2) is obtained by thermally decomposing a saturated compound represented by the following general formula (1). CCl3—CCl2-mHm—CCl3-nHn??(1) CCl2?CCl2-mHm-1—CCl3-nHn??(2) (in the above formulas, m is 1 or 2, and n is an integer of 0 to 3.).

Abstract: A process of making a chlorinated hydrocarbon through a thermal dehydrochlorination step in which an unsaturated compound represented by the following general formula (2) is obtained by thermally decomposing a saturated compound represented by the following general formula (1). CCl3—CCl2-mHm—CCl3-nHn??(1) CCl2?CCl2-mHm-1—CCl3-nHn??(2) (in the above formulas, m is 1 or 2, and n is an integer of 0 to 3.

Abstract: Methods for the manufacture of 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane from 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane and chlorine are disclosed. Improved methods are provided for the manufacture of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene from 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane. Methods are also disclosed for the manufacture of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene from 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane and chlorine and for the manufacture of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene from carbon tetrachloride ethylene, and chlorine.

Abstract: A telomerisation process is described whereby haloalkanes like tetrachloromethane are added to halogenated olefins like 2-chloroprop-1-ene in the presence of an iron catalyst and a phosphite. The reaction products, e.g. 1,1,1,3,3-pentachlorobutane, can be fluorinated.

Abstract: A process for the insertion of a fluorinated olefin into a fluorinated iodide in the presence of a nickel catalyst at a temperature of a maximum of 150° C. with an initial rate of 0.04 mole/hour without loss of selectivity is disclosed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making CF3CF?CH2 The process involves (i) contacting CHCl2CF2CF3 in a reaction zone in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a dehydrofluorination catalyst to produce CCl2?CFCF3; (ii) contacting CCl2?CFCF3 with H2 formed in (i) in a reaction zone in the presence of a catalyst comprising a catalytically effective amount of palladium supported on a support selected from the group consisting of alumina fluorided alumina, aluminum fluoride and mixtures thereof, to produce a product mixture comprising CF3CF?CH2, wherein the mole ratio of H2 to CCl2?CFCF3 fed to the reaction zone is between about 1:1 and about 4:1 and (iii) recovering CF3CF?CH2 from the product mixture formed in (ii).

Abstract: A telomerisation process is described whereby haloalkanes like tetrachloromethane are added to halogenated olefins like 2-chloroprop-1-ene in the presence of an iron catalyst and a phosphite. The reaction products, e.g. 1,1,1,3,3-pentachlorobutane, can be fluorinated.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of haloalkanes, or more particularly to a process for the manufacture of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (HCC-240fa) and/or and/or 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane (HCC-250fb). The process includes (a) mixing a catalyst, co-catalyst and a haloalkane starting material under conditions suitable to produce a homogeneous mixture; (b) reacting the homogeneous mixture with a haloalkene and/or alkene starting material under conditions suitable to produce a haloalkane product stream; and (c) recovering a haloalkane product from said product stream.

Abstract: A method for preparing a composition of the formula in a yield greater than 50% where R1 is C 1-20 comprising the steps of combining fluorene or dibromo flourene, an excess of alkali metal hydroxide and a halogenated alkyl in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst but in the absence of a polar aprotic solvent; heating the combination; and separating the dialkylated fluorene or dialylated dibromo fluorene. If the flourene is not brominated prior to alkylation, the dialkylated fluorene is then brominated.

Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for the production and purification of halogenated compounds and intermediates in the production of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane. In a preferred embodiment, the process steps include: (1) reacting carbon tetrachloride with vinyl chloride to produce 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane; (2) dehydrochlorinating the 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane with a Lewis acid catalyst to produce 1,1,3,3-tetrachloropropene; (3) fluorinating the 1,1,3,3-tetrachloropropene to produce 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene; (4) fluorinating the 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene to produce a product mixture containing 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane; and (5) separating 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane from by-products.

Abstract: There is provided an industrially advantageous process for producing a 1-chloro-4-arylbutane represented by the general formula (2): wherein R represents hydrogen, lower alkyl, or lower alkoxy, characterized by reacting 1-bromo-3-chloropropane with a compound represented by the general formula (1): wherein R is as defined above; and X represents chlorine, bromine, or iodine, in a solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing an elastomeric ethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer with excellent vulcanization properties, which comprises emulsion polymerizing ethylene, hexafluoropropylene and when in demand, a monomer copolymerizable therewith in a aqueous medium at a low temperature of ?20° C. to 40° C. using a radical polymerization initiator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the co-pyrolysis of fluoroform and chlorodifluoromethane to form a mixture of useful fluoroolefin and saturated HFCs, notably, tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene and CF3CHF2 and CF3CHFCF3, respectively.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of cyclobuta aromatic compounds by cyclizing two ortho dibromoalkyl substituents is described. Using a mediator, such as nickel metal, and continuous removal of product from contact with the mediator, high product yields are achieved. A method for bromination of ortho alkyl substituents of aromatic compounds is also described.

Abstract: A process for economically producing 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane under conditions which preserve the activity of the catalyst. In a preferred embodiment, a two-stage distillation process is employed. In the two-stage process, the size of the equipment, temperature and vacuum are varied.

Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for the production and purification of halogenated compounds and intermediates in the production of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane. In a preferred embodiment, the process steps include: (1) reacting carbon tetrachloride with vinyl chloride to produce 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane; (2) dehydrochlorinating the 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane with a Lewis acid catalyst to produce 1,1,3,3-tetrachloropropene; (3) fluorinating the 1,1,3,3-tetrachloropropene to produce 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene; (4) fluorinating the 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene to produce a product mixture containing 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane; and (5) separating 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane from by-products.

Abstract: A process is provided by which addition of water is used to enhance the production of any hydrochlorocarbon feedstock through the use of Kharasch chemistry, i.e. the combination of a polychlorinated alkane with an olefin to produce a chlorinated or hydrochlorinated alkane with the use of a transition metal compound in homogeneous solution as catalyst. Preferably, water is added to increase the production of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane by the reaction of carbon tetrachloride and vinyl chloride in the presence of a catalyst mixture of organo phosphate solvent, iron metal and ferric chloride.

Abstract: Process for preparing halogenated hydrocarbons, comprising at least 3 carbon atoms, by catalytic telomerization between a haloalkane and an olefin in the presence of an amine with a high boiling point as co-catalyst. 1,1,1,3,3-Pentachloropropane and 1,1,1,3,3-pentachlorobutane are thus prepared under mild conditions in good yield and the catalyst/co-catalyst system can be easily separated by distillation and recycled.

Abstract: A process is provided by which addition of water is used to enhance the production of any hydrochlorocarbon feedstock through the use of Kharasch chemistry, i.e. the combination of a polychlorinated alkane with an olefin to produce a chlorinated or hydrochlorinated alkane with the use of a transition metal compound in homogeneous solution as catalyst. Preferably, water is added to increase the production of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane by the reaction of carbon tetrachloride and vinyl chloride in the presence of a catalyst mixture of organo phosphate solvent, iron metal and ferric chloride.

Abstract: Halohydrocarbons comprising at least 3 carbon atoms are obtained by reaction between a haloalkane and a haloolefin, in the substantial absence of nitrile, and by introducing the reactants in a molar ratio between the haloalkane and the haloolefin of less than 2. 1,1,1,3,3-Pentachloropropane can thus be obtained in good voluminal yield.

Abstract: Halohydrocarbons comprising at least 3 carbon atoms are obtained by reaction between a haloalkane and an olefin in the presence of an organocopper compound as catalyst, a solvent and/or a cocatalyst. 1,1,1,3,3-Penta-chloropropane can thus be obtained in good yield under mild conditions.

Abstract: 1,1,1,3,3-pentachlorobutane is obtained by reacting carbon tetrachloride with 2-chloro-1-propene in the presence of at least one copper (I) or (II) compound as telomerization catalyst. Advantageously, a polar compound can be present in the reaction mixture as solvent, and an amine, an amide or a trialkylphosphine oxide can be present as cocatalyst.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane. The process comprises: (a) producing a product mixture in a reactor by reacting carbon tetrachloride and vinyl chloride in the presence of a catalyst mixture comprising organophosphate solvent, iron metal and ferric chloride under conditions sufficient to produce 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane; (b) subjecting the 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane containing product mixture from step (a) to evaporation such that a fraction enriched in 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane is separated from the product mixture and a bottoms fraction results which comprises the iron metal/ferric chloride catalyst components and heavy end by-products; and (c) recycling at least a portion of the bottoms fraction from step (b) to the reactor.

Abstract: A process for catalytic addition of haloalkanes to alkenes involving the step of reacting the haloalkane with the alkene in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst is an organophosphite compound represented by the following formula: P(ORa)(ORb)(ORc), where Ra, Rb, and Rc are each an alkyl group or an aralkyl group.

Abstract: A liquid phase process is disclosed for producing halogenated alkane adducts of the formula: CAR1R2CBR3R4 (where A, B, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined in the specification) which involves contacting a corresponding halogenated alkane, AB, with a corresponding olefin, CR1R2═C3R4 in a dinitrile or cyclic carbonate ester solvent which divides the reaction mixture into two liquid phases and in the presence of a catalyst system containing: (i) at least one catalyst selected from monovalent and divalent copper; and optionally (ii) a promoter selected from aromatic or aliphatic heterocyclic compounds which contain at least one carbon-nitrogen double bond in the heterocyclic ring. When hydrochlorofluorocarbons are formed, the chlorine content may be reduced by reacting the hydrochlorofluorocarbons with HF. New compounds disclosed include CF3CF2CCl2CH2CCl3, CF3CCl2CH2CH2Cl and CF3CCl2CH2CHClF. These compounds are useful as intermediates for producing hydrofluorocarbons.

Abstract: A process for preparing a haloalkane comprising: (a) contacting a haloalkane starting material with a haloalkene starting material in the presence of an effective amount of a catalyst complex under conditions effective to facilitate an addition reaction and to form a product stream comprising a haloalkane product from said addition reaction, wherein said catalyst complex has a boiling point higher than that of said haloalkane product; and (b) recovering said haloalkane product from said product stream.

Abstract: Halohydrocarbons comprising at least 3 carbon atoms are obtained by reaction between a haloalkane and a haloolefin in the presence of an organonickel compound as catalyst, and optionally in the presence of a solvent. 1,1,1,3,3-Pentachlorobutane can thus be obtained in good yield under mild conditions.

Abstract: A liquid phase process is disclosed for producing halogenated alkane adducts of the formula: CAR.sup.1 R.sup.2 CBR.sup.3 R.sup.4 (where, A, B, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are defined in the specification) which involves contacting a corresponding halogenated alkane, AB, with a corresponding olefin, CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 .dbd.CR.sup.3 R.sup.4, in the presence of a catalyst system containing (i) at least one catalyst selected from monovalent and divalent copper, and (ii) a promoter selected from aromatic or aliphatic hetercyclic compounds which contain at least one carbon-nitrogen double bond in the heterocyclic ring. When hydrochlorofluorocarbons are formed, hydrofluorocarbons may be formed therefrom by reacting the hydrochlorofluorocarbons with HF.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of halogenated alkanes is provided. In particular, a process is provided for the highly selective preparation of haloalkanes, including 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane, pentachlorobutane, and hepatchlorohexane, in good yield.

Abstract: A novel method for manufacturing 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexachloropropane. Tetrachloromethane is reacted with 1,1-dichloroethene in the presence of a catalyst comprising copper and a solvent selected from a C3 to a C5 alkanenitrile. The 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexachloropropane can be separated from the reaction by-products, unconsumed reactants and catalyst and solvent, which components can be recovered and recycled back to the reactor.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of telomers CCl.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 CCl.sub.2).sub.n Cl where n=1-3 (Formula I) by the continuous reaction of CCl.sub.4 and vinylidene chloride in the presence of a solvent and a catalyst. The reaction to form CCl.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 CCl.sub.2)Cl proceeds at a reaction rate constant k.sub.1. If n=1, CCl.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 CCl.sub.2)Cl is continuously removed from the reactor. If n=2, the removed CCl.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 CCl.sub.2)Cl reacts similarly with CCl.sub.4 and CH.sub.2 .dbd.CCl.sub.2 in a second reactor to form and remove CCl.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 CCl.sub.2).sub.2 Cl under conditions to have a reaction rate constant k.sub.2, wherein the ratio of the molar amounts of CCl.sub.4 to CCl.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 CCl.sub.2)Cl reacted is greater than the ratio k.sub.2 /k.sub.1. If n=3, the removed CCl.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 CCl.sub.2).sub.2 Cl similarly reacts in a third reactor with CCl.sub.4 and CH.sub.2 .dbd.CCl.sub.2 to form CCl.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 CCl.sub.2).sub.

Abstract: Chloromethane compounds including carbon tetrachloride and the chlorofluoromethane compounds, such as dichlorodifluoromethane, can be catalytically hydrodechlorinated, e.g., in the case of dichlorodifluoromethane to monochlorodifluoromethane and/or difluoromethane, by treatment with hydrogen in the presence of a transition metal carbide catalyst, for example, a Group IVB metal carbide, such as tungsten carbide, supported on an oxidic support, such as alumina, optionally with a passivating layer of ceramic, such as silicon carbide, between the oxidic support and catalyst. The catalyst preferably has a surface area of no less than about 1 m.sup.2 /gm.

Abstract: The metathesis of functionalized and unfunctionalized acyclic olefins using catalyst compositions containing iridium and silver in a molar ration of 3 to 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a hydrogen-containing chloromethane such as chloroform at high selectivity in good yield by reducing a polychloromethane such as carbon tetrachloride in the presence of a reduction catalyst.In the present invention, it is important to conduct the reduction reaction in a liquid phase, whereby formation of impurities such as polymers which deactivate the catalyst, can effectively be suppressed, and the high selectivity and high activity of the reduction catalyst can adequately be obtained.As the reduction catalyst, at least one member selected from elements of Groups 8, 9 and 10, such as ruthenium, rhodium, palladium and platinum, may suitably be employed. Also a catalyst comprising, as the main component, such an element and having at least one member of Group 11 elements such as copper, silver and gold added thereto, may also suitably be employed.

Abstract: A halogenated alkyl of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and each is a lower alkyl group, X is chlorine atom or a bromine atom and Y is a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom is prepared in high conversion and high selectivity by reacting a tertiary halogenated alkyl of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and X are the same as defined above with an ethylene derivative of the formula:CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--Y (III)wherein Y is the same as defined above in the presence of a liquid catalyst comprising aluminum chloride and an alkylbenzene of the formula: ##STR3## wherein R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are the same or different and each is a lower alkyl group or a hydrogen atom provided that at least one of them is a lower alkyl group.

Abstract: The highly chlorinated methanes, e.g., carbon tetrachloride, are improvedly dechlorinated by reacting same with hydrogen in the presence of oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas, e.g., air, and a catalytically effective amount of a metal of the copper or precious metal Groups of the Periodic Table, typically in the form of a fixed or fluidized bed thereof, and advantageously in the gaseous phase.