Abstract

The chlorination of benzene can theoretically produce 12 different chlorobenzenes. However, technology and world events have substantially reduced chlorinated benzene to the current production of three significant products: monochlorobenzene and o- and p-dichlorobenzenes. Monochlorobenzene represents over 50% of the total production of chlorobenzenes. The largest use for monochlorobenzene worldwide is the production of nitrochlorobenzenes, which are consumed to make dye and pigment intermediates, rubber processing chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other organic intermediates. o-Dichlorobenzene is consumed primarily for 3,4-dichloroaniline manufacture in the United States and Western Europe and in the emulsified form in Japan for treatment of garbage. The largest market worldwide for p-dichlorobenzene is for deodorant blocks and moth control. A growing use is in the production of the high performance polymer, poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS).

Manufacturing methods, specifications, handling precautions, and health and safety factors are covered. With the exception of their use in the production of high performance polymers, markets for chlorobenzenes are mature and overall demand is expected to show little, if any, growth over the next few years.