There are two basic types of halogenation reactions: (1) substitution reactions in which the halogen replaces another atom in the molecule, for example the chlorination of ethane and (2) addition reactions in which the halogen reacts with an unsaturated molecule, for example the reaction of chlorine or bromine with ethylene.

Bromination

Bromination can be performed either with elemental bromine (Br₂) or with bromide salts and an oxidant, such as hydrogen peroxide.

Target molecules:

Brominated hydrocarbons

Advantage CABB:

Chlorination

Chlorination can be performed via the following routes to address yield, purity and cost:

Direct Chlorination with chlorine

Target molecules:

Chlorinated hydrocarbons

Advantage CABB:

Pratteln operates a state-of-the-art chlor-alkali electrolysis and a highly integrated production site capable of recycling by-products into value streams. Reactions are performed in both continuous and batch processes, from small scale to large commercial quantities.

Chlorination with thionyl chloride

Target molecules:

• Alkyl or aryl chlorides
• Acid chlorides or sulfonyl chlorides

Advantage CABB:

Pratteln’s continuous chlorination processes increase yields, purity and reduce unwanted by-products.

Chlorination with sulfuryl chloride

Target molecules:

• Carbonyl compounds
• Benzyl positions
• Aromatics

Advantage CABB:

Pratteln uses sulfuryl chloride as an alternative chlorinating reagent for greater selectivity when processing carbonyl compounds, benzylic positions and aromatics.

Chloromethylation

Target molecules:

Chloromethyl ethers and esters

Advantage CABB:

Our patented chloromethylation process converts alcohols and carboxylic acids to chloromethyl ethers and esters with a low by-product spectrum, high yield and a low bis-chloromethyl ether content.