(1,2)-Di:chloroethane catalytic prepn. - from ethylene, hydrogen chloride gas and air at elevated temps. over catalyst

(I) is prepd. by oxychlorination of ethylene using HCl gas and a gas contg. molecular O2, pref. air, in the gas place at elevated temp. and in the presence of a fluidised bed catalyst of cuprous chloride on a support. The reaction gases are cooled under pressure in two condensation stages. The condensed 1,2-dichloroethane is then removed and the major part of the unconverted starting gases and the inert gases are recycled and in a third condensation stage the reaction gases are cooled under pressure at 5-18 degrees C such that the amt. of 1,2-dichlorethane in the recycled gas remains between 0.5 ad 3 (0.5-1.5) vol % and the recycled gas is mixed directly above the reactor with the amt. of O2 (pure) needed to replace the O2 used up, and to re-establish the O2 strength at 12-25(15-21) vol.%. (I) is prepd. economically in improved yield and more economically. Process is variable as required. The activity of the catalyst can be varied by means of the supply of fresh oxygen supplied to replace that used up in the reaction so that a space time yield of 10-100% can be obtd. as required. Reaction is safer with less explosion hazard.