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CATALYTIC HYDRODECHLORINATION OF POLYCHLORINATED PESTICIDES AND RELATED SUBSTANCES: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Citation:
CATALYTIC HYDRODECHLORINATION OF POLYCHLORINATED PESTICIDES AND RELATED SUBSTANCES: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/j8-77/013.
Description:
A study was undertaken of the catalytic conversion of chlorinated pesticides and other undesirable chlorinated compounds to acceptable compounds. This study shows that chlorine can be catalytically removed and replaced by hydrogen to produce relatively non-toxic hydrocarbons. The batch process involves use of a supported nickel catalyst, ethanol as solvent, and sodium hydroxide as an acid-acceptor of the hydrogen chloride by-product. A reactivity sequence is established based on carbon-chlorine bonding wherein olefinic chlorine is the least reactive. Reaction models are determined for Aroclor 1248 and DDE. Removal of ortho-substituted chlorine is the limiting reaction in hydrodechlorination of Aroclor. Aldrin and dieldrin are the most difficult compounds to hydrodechlorinate because of steric hindrance. Removal of aromatic chlorine is the limiting reaction in the hydrodechlorination of DDT and DDE.