A study on catalytic oxychlorination of ethane to vinyl chloride

gamma-Alumina supported CuCl2 catalyst for oxychlorination of ethane was prepared by impregnation of gamma-alumina with an aqueous solution of CuCl2 . 2H(2)O and KCl of a various mass fractions. Some samples containing 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 9% of Cu and 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% of K respectively have been investigated. The experiment results indicate that the catalyst containing 5% Cu and 6% K shows the highest yield and selectivity of vinyl chloride. With raising reaction temperature, the catalytic properties of the sample changes dramatically. The conversion of ethane was increased sharply from 320 to 395 degreesC and it was increased slightly from 395 to 440 degreesC. At 440 degreesC the conversion of ethane and the yield of vinyl chloride are the highest. Then they are decreased slowly.