Dehalogenation – Industrial

Abstract

Catalytic dehalogenation is used in the treatment of halogenated organic waste streams and in partial hydrogenation of halogenated organics. Waste treatment applications are primarily directed at complete dehalogenation of chlorinated wastes, including waste solvents and heavy ends from chlorinated chemical manufacturing; these processes generally employ transition metal catalysts. Partial hydrogenation applications are predominantly in the reprocessing of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and in the synthesis of CFC replacements; these processes employ noble metal catalysts. Many of these processes are still in the developmental stages, and relatively few industrial installations are in place. Nevertheless, these processes are likely to become increasingly important as costs associated with managing waste materials escalate.