Process for producing 1,2-dichloroethane

PCT No. PCT/JP80/00330 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 11, 1981 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 11, 1981 PCT Filed Dec. 26, 1980 PCT Pub. No. WO82/02197 PCT Pub. Date Jul. 8, 1982.In the technology for producing 1,2-dichloroethane by reacting ethylene with chlorine by a liquid phase reaction at 65 DEG to 160 DEG C. in 1,2-dichloroethane containing a metal chloride catalyst, there is a disadvantage of a side reaction for producing 1,1,2-trichloroethane etc. at a large ratio to cause lower yield of 1,2-dichloroethane. The present invention is to overcome the disadvantage and to produce 1,2-dichloroethane in high yield by reducing the side reaction by incorporating at least one of aromatic compounds selected from the group consisting of benzene type hydrocarbons having the formula wherein R1, R2 and R3 respectively represent hydrogen atom, C1-C5 alkyl group and chlorinated derivatives thereof as a side reaction inhibitor at a ratio of at least 0.001 wt. % in the reaction medium.