Continuous method for the manufacture of allyl chloride

The method involves chlorinating propylene with chlorine and separating the reaction products by rectification wherein the reaction is initiated by introducing into the reaction zone propylene and nitrogen at a rate of at least 20% by weight of the required rate of chlorine, chlorine is then introduced into the reaction zone at a rate up to 60% of the required rate, and after the rate of supply of chlorine has reached 66%, the supply of nitrogen is stopped and the nitrogen in the reaction zone is withdrawn through the rectification system for separation of hydrogen chloride product, reflux of the hydrogen chloride being maintained until the refluxing vapours contain at least 95% by volume of hydrogen chloride. This reduces the amount of carbon and tar compounds usually formed during starting and stopping this type of process.