PREFERENTIAL CHLORINATION OF ALUMINA IN KAOLINITIC ORES

The present invention provides a novel process for the preferential chlorination of alumina over silica in the carbo-chlorination of kaolinitic ores to produce aluminum chloride. The process comprises introducing small amounts of alkali metal compounds with oxyanions into the carbo-chlorination process. Preferred embodiments are directed to particular compounds of alkali metals with oxyanions selected from the group consisting of carbonates, sulfates, hydroxides, oxides, phosphates, and the like. The present invention results in significantly reduced energy, manufacturing, and equipment costs and thus represents a breakthrough in the utilization of domestic ores such as kaolinitic clay for the production of aluminum chloride or alumina through oxidation of the aluminum chloride.