title: Dechlorination of hexachlorocyclohexanes with alkaline 2-propanol and a palladium catalyst.
abstract: Hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-HCH) were dechlorinated in 2-propanol by means of stoichiometric reaction with NaOH and subsequent catalytic dechlorination over a supported palladium catalyst (Pd/C). When the HCH isomers (2-10 mmol/l) were reacted with a molar excess of NaOH ([NaOH]/[HCH]>9) in 2-propanol, transformation of alpha-, gamma- and delta-HCH to trichlorobenzenes (TCBs) was complete within 5 min at room temperature, but beta-HCH was less reactive. Analysis of TCB isomers produced from individual HCH isomers showed that 1,2,4-TCB was always predominant (70-90% of the product) and 1,2,3-TCB and 1,3,5-TCB were minor products. The produced TCBs were dechlorinated by subsequently adding Pd/C to the alkaline 2-propanol solution and heating at 55 degrees C for 3 h, resulting in the formation of benzene in high yield (>80%). Technical-grade HCH, which contains these four isomers, was successfully dechlorinated with NaOH and Pd/C at 55 degrees C.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), AIST Tsukuba West, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. y-ukisu@aist.go.jp
authors.forename: Yuji
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ukisu
authors.forename: Tatsuo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Miyadera
mesh_terms: D019840:2-Propanol / Q000737:chemistry*; D002384:Catalysis; D006256:Hazardous Waste / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001556:Hexachlorocyclohexane / Q000737:chemistry*; D010165:Palladium / Q000737:chemistry*; D011208:Powders; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D006256:Hazardous Waste; D011208:Powders; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D001556:Hexachlorocyclohexane; D010165:Palladium; D019840:2-Propanol