Processes for the preparation of isocyanates

Processes are described which comprise: (a) reacting chlorine with carbon monoxide to form phosgene; (b) reacting the phosgene with at least one organic amine to form at least one isocyanate and hydrogen chloride; (c) separating the hydrogen chloride; (d) oxidizing the hydrogen chloride with oxygen in a gas phase to form additional chlorine; and (e) recycling at least a portion of the additional chlorine to the reaction of the chlorine and the carbon monoxide; wherein the oxidation of the hydrogen chloride is initiated via a high energy source which may be selected from electron-exciting radiation, ionizing radiation, a gas discharge, a plasma, and combinations thereof.