CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] The present application is entitled to and claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 14/497,363 filed on September 26, 2014, which is entitled to and claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 61/894,539, filed on October 23, 2013, the disclosures of which are each incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[002] The present invention relates to methods of preparing chlorinated alkane products, such as pentachloropropanes, such as 1, 1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane, from a chlorinated alkane substrate, such as tetrachloropropanes, such as 1,1 ,1 ,3-tetrachloropropane, by reaction of the chlorinated alkane substrate with a source of chlorine in the presence of one or more polyvalent bismuth compounds.

BACKGROUND

[003] Chlorinated hydrocarbons are useful as feedstocks for the manufacture of fluorinated hydrocarbons, such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). Hydrofluoroolefins can, for example, be used as, or as components of, refrigerants, polyurethane blowing agents, fire extinguishing agents, and foaming agents. For purposes of illustration, 1,1 ,1,2,3-pentachloropropane can be used as an intermediate in the manufacture of 1 ,1 ,2,3-tetrachloropropene, which is a feedstock for the preparation of HFOs, and in the preparation of the herbicide trichloroallyl diisopropyl thiocarbamate, which is commonly referred to as Triallate.

[004] The preparation of chlorinated hydrocarbons typically involves reactions that can require a number of steps, extended periods of time to complete, and/or reduced reaction temperatures and related refrigeration equipment, which can have increased economic costs associated therewith. It would be desirable to develop new methods of forming chlorinated hydrocarbons that require less steps and/or reduced reaction times relative to existing methods.

SUMMARY

[005] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of preparing a chlorinated alkane product, which method comprises, reacting a chlorinated alkane substrate with a source of chlorine in the presence of one or more polyvalent bismuth compounds, thereby forming a product comprising the chlorinated alkane product. The chlorinated alkane product has covalently bonded thereto at least one more chlorine group (or atom) than the chlorinated alkane substrate. The chlorinated alkane substrate and the chlorinated alkane product each have a carbon backbone structure that is in each case the same.

[006] The features that characterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims, which are annexed to and form a part of this disclosure. These and other features of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects obtained by its use will be more fully understood from the following detailed description in which non-limiting embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[007] As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless otherwise expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.

[008] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, such as but not limited to, 1 to 6.1, 3.5 to 7.8, and 5.5 to 10.

[009] Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about."

[010] All documents, such as but not limited to issued patents and patent applications, referred to herein, and unless otherwise indicated, are to be considered to be "incorporated by reference" in their entirety.

[011] As used herein, the unit "psia" means pounds per square inch absolute, which is relative to vacuum. [012] As used herein, the unit "psig" means pounds per square inch gauge, which is relative to ambient atmospheric pressure.

[013] As used herein, recitations of "alkyl" include "cycloalkyl" and/or "linear or branched alkyl." Recitations of "linear or branched" groups, such as linear or branched alkyl, are herein understood to include: a methylene group or a methyl group; groups that are linear, such as linear C2-C25 alkyl groups; and groups that are appropriately branched, such as branched C3-C25 alkyl groups.

[014] The term "linear or branched alkyl" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, means linear or branched Ci-C25 alkyl, or linear or branched C1-C10 alkyl, or linear or branched C2-C10 alkyl. Examples of alkyl groups from which the various alkyl groups of the present invention can be selected from, include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl and decyl.

[015] The term "cycloalkyl" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, means alkyl groups that are appropriately cyclic, such as but not limited to, C3-C12 cycloalkyl (including, but not limited to, C5-C7 cycloalkyl) groups. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and cyclooctyl. The term "cycloalkyl" as used herein in accordance with some embodiments also includes: bridged ring polycycloalkyl groups (or bridged ring polycyclic alkyl groups), such as but not limited to, bicyclo[2.2. l ]heptyl (or norbornyl) and bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl; and fused ring polycycloalkyl groups (or fused ring polycyclic alkyl groups), such as, but not limited to, octahydro-lH-indenyl, and decahydronaphthyl.

[016] As used herein, recitations of "alkenyl" include "cycloalkenyl" and/or "linear or branched alkenyl" and means groups having at least one ethylenically unsaturated group, that are not aromatic. The term "alkenyl" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, includes linear or branched C2-C25 alkenyl (including, but not limited to, linear or branched C2-C10 alkenyl). Examples of alkenyl groups include but are not limited to vinyl, allyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, and hexenyl. The term "cycloalkenyl" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, means alkenyl groups that are appropriately cyclic, such as but not limited to, C3-C12 cycloalkenyl (including, but not limited to, C5-C7 cycloalkenyl) groups. Examples of cycloalkenyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyi, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, and cyclooctenyl.

[017] As used herein, recitations of "alkynyl" include "cycloalkynyl" and/or "linear or branched alkynyl" and means groups having at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. The term "alkynyl" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, includes linear or branched C2-C25 alkynyl (including, but not limited to, linear or branched C ₂ - C10 alkynyl). Examples of alkynyl groups include, but are not limited to, ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl (such as, 1-butynyl and 2-butynyl), pentynyl, hexynyl, heptynyl, and octynyl. The term "cycloalkynyl" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, means alkynyl groups that are appropriately cyclic, such as but not limited to, C8-Ci ₂ cycloalkynyl (including, but not limited to, C ₈ -Cio cycloalkynyl) groups. Examples of cycloalkynyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclooctynyl, and cyclononynyl.

[018] As used herein, the term "aryl" includes cyclic aryl groups and polycyclic aryl groups. With some embodiments, aryl groups include, but are not limited to, C ₆ - Ci8 aryl, such as C6-C10 aryl (including polycyclic aryl groups). Examples of aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl and triptycenyl.

[019] As used herein, the term "alkane" includes "cycloalkane" and/or "linear or branched alkane." Recitations of "linear or branched alkane(s)" are herein understood to include: methane; alkanes that are linear, such as linear C2-C25 alkanes; and alkanes that are appropriately branched, such as branched C3-C25 alkanes.

[020] The term "linear or branched alkane" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, includes linear or branched Ci-C ₂ 5 alkane, or linear or branched C1-C10 alkane, or linear or branched C2-C10 alkane. Examples of alkane groups from which the various alkanes of the present invention can be selected from, include, but are not limited to, methane, ethane, propane, isopropane, butane, isobutane, sec-butane, tert- butane, pentane, neopentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane and decane.

[021] The term "cycloalkane" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, means alkanes that are appropriately cyclic, such as but not limited to, C3-C12 cycloalkane (including, but not limited to, C5-C7 cycloalkane). Examples of cycloalkane groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, and cyclooctane. The term "cycloalkane" as used herein in accordance with some embodiments also includes: bridged ring polycycloalkanes (or bridged ring polycyclic alkanes), such as but not limited to, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (or norbornane) and bicyclo[2.2.2]octane; and fused ring polycycloalkanes (or fused ring polycyclic alkanes), such as, but not limited to, octahydro-lH-indenane, and decahydronaphthalene.

[022] As used herein, recitations of "alkene" include "cycloalkene" and/or "linear or branched alkene" and means alkanes having at least one ethylenically unsaturated group, that are not aromatic. The term "linear or branched alkene" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, means linear or branched C2-C25 alkene (including, but not limited to, linear or branched C2-C10 alkene). Examples of alkenes include, but are not limited to, ethene, propene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octane, nonene, and decene. The term "cycloalkene" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, means alkenes that are appropriately cyclic, such as but not limited to, C3-C12 cycloalkene (including, but not limited to, C5-C7 cycloalkene). Examples of cycloalkenes include, but are not limited to, cyclopropene, cyclobutene, cyclopentene, cyclohexene, and cyclooctene.

[023] As used herein, recitations of "alkyne" include "cycloalkyne" and/or "linear or branched alkyne" and means cycloalkanes or alkanes having at least one carbon- carbon triple bond. The term "linear or branched alkyne" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, means linear or branched C2-C25 alkyne (including, but not limited to, linear or branched C2-C10 alkyne). Examples of alkynes include, but are not limited to, ethyne, propyne, butyne (such as, 1 -butyne and 2-butyne), pentyne, hexyne, heptyne, and octyne. The term "cycloalkyne" as used herein, in accordance with some embodiments, means alkyne groups that are appropriately cyclic, such as but not limited to, C ₈ -Ci2 cycloalkyne (including, but not limited to, C ₈ -Cio cycloalkyne). Examples of cycloalkynes include, but are not limited to, cyclooctyne and cyclononyne.

[024] As used herein, the term "aromatic," such as aromatic compound, includes cyclic aromatic and polycyclic aromatic. With some embodiments, aromatic compounds include, but are not limited to, C ₆ -Ci ₈ aromatic compounds, such as C6-C10 aromatic compounds (including polycyclic aromatic compounds). Examples of aromatic compounds include, but are not limited to, benzene, naphthalene, anthracene and triptycene. [025] As used herein, the term "polyvalent bismuth" and related terms, such as "polyvalent bismuth compound," "polyvalent bismuth catalyst," and "polyvalent bismuth catalyst compound" include, but are not limited to, pentavalent bismuth, trivalent bismuth, and combinations thereof.

[026] With some embodiments, the method of the present invention involves preparing a chlorinated alkane product that involves reacting a chlorinated alkane substrate with a source of chlorine in the presence a polyvalent bismuth compound, which results in the formation of a product that includes the chlorinated alkane product. The chlorinated alkane product has covalently bonded thereto at least one more chlorine group (or atom) than the chlorinated alkane substrate, and the chlorinated alkane substrate and the chlorinated alkane product each have a carbon backbone structure that is in each case the same. This reaction can be referred to herein as a chlorination reaction. The chlorination reaction is performed as a liquid phase reaction, with some embodiments. The chlorination reaction, with some further embodiments, is performed as a heterogeneous phase reaction, which includes: (a) a liquid phase that includes the chlorinated alkane substrate; and (b) a solid phase that includes the polyvalent bismuth compound(s). In accordance with some further embodiments, the chlorination reaction proceeds (i) initially as a homogeneous reaction in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst, and then (ii) subsequently as a heterogeneous reaction as the homogeneous catalyst is converted in situ to a heterogeneous form. The method of preparing the chlorinated product is, with some embodiments, performed as a batch method, a continuous method, and combinations thereof, such as combinations of one or more batch methods and one or more continuous methods.

[027] During formation of the chlorinated alkane product from the chlorinated alkane substrate, the carbon backbone of the chlorinated alkane substrate is not modified, and the carbon atoms of the chlorinated alkane substrate are not rearranged. As such, the chlorinated alkane substrate and the chlorinated alkane product each have a carbon backbone structure that is in each case the same. For purposes of non-limiting illustration, when the chlorinated alkane substrate is a chlorinated propane substrate (such as, but not limited to, 1 ,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane), the corresponding chlorinated alkane product is a chlorinated propane product that has bonded thereto at least one more chlorine group (or chlorine atom) than the chlorinated propane substrate (such as, but not limited to, 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane). With some embodiments, the chlorinated alkane substrate has no (or is free of) carbon-carbon double bonds, and the chlorinated alkane product has no (or is free of) carbon-carbon double bond.

[028] The chlorinated alkane product is, with some embodiments, selected from those classes and examples of alkanes as described previously herein, which further have at least two chlorine groups (or atoms) covalently bonded thereto. With some embodiments, the chlorinated alkane product has one more chlorine atom covalently bonded thereto than the chlorinated alkane substrate. For purposes of nonlimiting illustration, when the chlorinated alkane substrate is a tetrachloropropane, the corresponding chlorinated alkane product is a pentachloropropane, with some embodiments. With some further embodiments: (i) the chlorinated alkane product has one more chlorine atom covalently bonded thereto than the chlorinated alkane substrate; (ii) the chlorinated alkane product has one less hydrogen atom covalently bonded thereto than the chlorinated alkane substrate; (iii) the chlorinated alkane product has no (or is free of) carbon-carbon double bonds; and (iv) the chlorinated alkane substrate has no (or is free of) carbon-carbon double bonds.

[029] Examples of chlorinated alkane products include, but are not limited to: chlorinated linear or branched C ₂ -C ₂ 5 alkanes, such as chlorinated linear or branched C2-C10 alkanes, or chlorinated linear or branched C2-C6 alkanes; and chlorinated C3-C12 cycloalkanes, such as chlorinated C5-C7 cycloalkanes. Further examples of chlorinated linear or branched alkane products include, but are not limited to, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, and decane, which in each case independently include at least two chlorine groups (or atoms) bonded thereto. Further examples of chlorinated cycloalkane products include, but are not limited to, cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, and cyclooctane, which in each case independently include at least two chlorine groups (or atoms) bonded thereto. Additional examples of chlorinated alkane products include, but are not limited to: 1,1, 1,2,3 -pentachloropropane; 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexachloropropane; and 1 , 1 ,2,2,3,3-hexachloropropane.

[030] The chlorinated alkane substrate (from which the chlorinated alkane product is formed), with some embodiments, is selected from those classes and examples of alkanes as described previously herein, which further have at least one chlorine group (or atom) covalently bonded thereto, and at least one hydrogen atom covalently bonded thereto. With some further embodiments, the chlorinated alkane substrate: (i) has at least one chlorine group (or atom) bonded to the carbon backbone structure thereof; (ii) has at least one hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon back bone structure thereof; and (iii) has no (or is free of) carbon-carbon double bonds.

[031] With some embodiments, the chlorinated alkane substrate is selected from those classes and examples of alkanes described previously herein: (i) in which at least one chlorine group (or atom) is bonded to the carbon backbone structure thereof; (ii) in which at least one hydrogen atom is bonded to the carbon back bone structure thereof; and (iii) which have no (or are free of) carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of chlorinated linear or branched alkane substrates include, but are not limited to, chlorinated linear or branched C2-C25 alkanes, or chlorinated linear or branched C2-C10 alkanes, or chlorinated linear or branched C2-C10 alkanes, or chlorinated linear or branched C2-C6 alkanes, which in each case independently have at least one chlorine group (or atom) bonded thereto, and at least one hydrogen atom bonded thereto. Examples of chlorinated cycloalkane substrates include, but are not limited to, chlorinated C3-C12 cycloalkanes or chlorinated C5-C7 cycloalkanes, which each independently have at least one chlorine group (or atom) bonded thereto, and at least one hydrogen atom bonded thereto. Further examples of chlorinated linear or branched alkane substrates include, but are not limited to, ethane, propane, isopropane, butane, isobutane, sec-butane, fe -butane, pentane, neopentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, and decane, which in each case independently have at least one chlorine group (or atom) bonded thereto, and at least one hydrogen atom bonded thereto. Further examples of chlorinated cycloalkane substrates include, but are not limited to, cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, and cyclooctane, which in each case independently have at least one chlorine group (or atom) bonded thereto, and at least one hydrogen atom bonded thereto. Additional examples of chlorinated alkane substrates include, but are not limited to: 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane; and 1,1,2,3,3-pentachloropropane.

[032] In accordance with some embodiments, the chlorinated alkane substrate is 1,1, 1,3-tetrachloropropane, and the chlorinated alkane product is 1 ,1 ,1 ,2,3-pentachloropropane.

[033] The method of preparing a chlorinated alkane product from a chlorinated alkane substrate, in accordance with the present invention, is performed in the presence of a source of chlorine. The source of chlorine can be any source that provides chlorine for the reaction. With some embodiments, the source of chlorine does not have or cause any deleterious consequences on the reaction, such as promoting or generating undesirable byproducts, poisoning the polyvalent bismuth compound(s), affecting the efficiency of the reaction, or affecting undesirably the temperature at which the chlorination reaction is conducted. The source of chlorine is liquid and/or gaseous chlorine (Cl ₂ ), with some embodiments. In accordance with some embodiments, the source of chlorine is selected from chlorine (Ch), sulfuryl chloride (SO2CI2), and combinations thereof, such as combinations of chlorine (Cl ₂ ) and sulfuryl chloride (SO2CI2).

[034] The method of preparing a chlorinated alkane product from a chlorinated alkane substrate, in accordance with the present invention, is performed in the presence of a polyvalent bismuth compound. With some embodiments, said polyvalent bismuth compound is selected from a pentavalent bismuth compound, a trivalent bismuth compound, and combinations thereof, such as combinations of (i) one or more pentavalent bismuth compounds and (ii) one or more trivalent bismuth compounds.

[035] The pentavalent bismuth compound(s) of the method of the present invention, with some embodiments, includes one or more pentavalent bismuth compounds represented by the following Formula (I),

BiCR Cl b (I)

[036] With reference to Formula (I), the sum of a and b is 5, provided that b is 2, 3, or 4. With further reference to Formula (I), R ¹ independently for each a is selected from linear or branched alky], cyclic alkyl, and aryl.

[037] With further reference to Formula (I), classes and examples of the linear or branched alkyl groups, cyclic alkyl groups, and aryl groups from which R ¹ can be independently selected for each subscript a include, but are not limited to those classes and examples as recited previously herein, such as linear or branched C1-C25 alkyl groups, C3-C12 cycloalkyls, and/or C6-C18 aryl, and related examples thereof.

[038] Examples of pentavalent bismuth compounds that can be used with some embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: trialkyl bismuth dichloride, such as tributyl bismuth dichloride; and triaryl bismuth dichloride, such as triphenyl bismuth dichloride. [039] The trivalent bismuth compound(s) of the method of the present invention, with some embodiments, includes one or more trivalent bismuth compounds represented by the following Formula (II),

[040] With reference to Formula (II), c is from 0 to 3, d is from 0 to 3, provided that the sum of c and d is 3. With further reference to Formula (II), R ² independently for each c is selected from linear or branched alkyl, cyclic alkyl, and aryl. With additional reference to Formula (II), and in accordance with some embodiments: the sum of c and d is 3; c is at least 1, such as from 1 to 3, such as 1 , 2, or 3; and d is less than or equal to 2, such as from 0 to 2, such as 0, 1 , or 2.

[041] With further reference to Formula (II), classes and examples of the linear or branched alkyl groups, cyclic alkyl groups, and aryl groups from which R ² can be independently selected for each subscript c include, but are not limited to those classes and examples as recited previously herein, such as, C1-C25 alkyl groups, C3-C12 cycloalkyls, and/or C6-C18 aryl, and related examples thereof.

[042] Examples of trivalent bismuth compounds that can be used with some embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: bismuth trichloride; trialkyl bismuth, such as tributyl bismuth; triaryl bismuth, such as triphenyl bismuth; and aryl bismuth chloride, such as phenyl bismuth dichloride and diphenyl bismuth chloride.

[043] In accordance with some embodiments of the method of the present invention, the pentavalent bismuth compound includes triphenyl bismuth dichloride, and the trivalent bismuth compound includes triphenyl bismuth and/or phenyl bismuth dichloride.

[044] The amount of polyvalent bismuth compound used for the reaction that results in the formation of the chlorinated alkane product can, with some embodiments, vary widely. With some embodiments, the polyvalent bismuth compound is present in an amount that is effective to catalyze the described reaction, such as being present in a catalytic amount. If more than an effective amount of polyvalent bismuth compound is used, the cost of the polyvalent bismuth compound itself and/or the disposal costs associated with used (or spent) polyvalent bismuth compound can be taken into account, as such costs can affect (such as increase) the overall cost of the process, with some embodiments.

[045] The effective (or catalytic) amount of polyvalent bismuth compound used can also depend on the other reaction conditions used, such as temperature, pressure, reactant flow rates, type of reaction vessel, etc. With some embodiment, the amount of polyvalent bismuth compound used for the chlorination reaction can vary, such as, from 0.005 to 5 percent by weight, based on the weight of the chlorinated alkane substrate, such as 0.5 percent by weight, based on the weight of the chlorinated alkane substrate. With some further embodiments, the amount of polyvalent bismuth compound used can vary from 0.05 to 3 percent by weight, based on the weight of the chlorinated alkane substrate, such as 0.2 percent by weight, based on the weight of the chlorinated alkane substrate. A larger amount of polyvalent bismuth compound in the reaction results in a reduced amount of time to complete the reaction, with some embodiments, compared to smaller amounts of polyvalent bismuth compound.

[046] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention: (i) the polyvalent bismuth compound is used in a free form, such as free of being supported on a solid support; and/or (ii) the polyvalent bismuth compound is supported on a solid support (or solid carrier), such as a solid particulate support. With some further embodiments, the polyvalent bismuth compound is supported on a solid support (or solid carrier), such as a solid particulate support. The solid support, with some embodiments, is selected from one or more silica supports, one or more alumina supports, one or more zeolite supports, one or more clay supports, one or more activated carbon supports, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[047] Amorphous silica, such as precipitated silica can be used to support the polyvalent bismuth compound (and/or a precursor material thereof), with some embodiments. The size of the amorphous silica powder can vary, and falls within a size range of from 60 to 350 mesh (U.S. screen size), with some embodiments. Any of the crystalline forms of silica can be used as a support, with some embodiments. With some embodiments, silica in one or more of the following crystalline forms is used: quartz; tridymite; and cristobalite.

[048] Zeolites that can be used to support the polyvalent bismuth compound (and/or a precursor material thereof) include, but are not limited to, the synthetic or naturally occurring aluminum and calcium, or aluminum and sodium silicates that are suitable for use in chlorination reactions. Such zeolites include, with some embodiments, those of the general type Na ₂ O2Al ₂ 03-5Si02 and CaO2Al ₂ 03-5Si02. Aluminas that can be used as a support for the polyvalent bismuth compound (and/or a precursor material thereof) include those that are solid and suitable for use in chlorination reactions. Examples of such materials include the various crystalline forms of alumina, activated alumina, and calcined aluminas, which include the stable form of anhydrous alumina (α-Α1 ₂ 03). The particle size of the solid support can be in the range described for the amorphous precipitated silica, with some embodiments. The polyvalent bismuth compound is chemically bonded to the support surface rather than simply deposited on the surface, with some embodiments, which can result in a reduction in the amount of polyvalent bismuth compound lost during the chlorination reaction.

[049] The supported polyvalent bismuth compound can be prepared by techniques known to those skilled in the art, with some embodiments. For purposes of non-limiting illustration, an appropriate polyvalent bismuth compound can be dissolved in a suitable solvent, such as toluene, and refluxed overnight in the presence of the solid support, such as amorphous silica. Subsequently, the silica is cooled, separated from the liquid toluene, such as by filtration or some other suitable liquid-solid separation methods, washed with a solvent, such as toluene or absolute ethanol, and dried. While not intending to be bound by any theory, it is believed, with some embodiments, that at least some of the polyvalent bismuth having a first valence supported on the solid support is converted in the presence of a source of chlorine, such as chlorine (Cl ₂ ), to a polyvalent bismuth having a second valence, which is also supported on the solid support, in which the second valence is greater than the first valence.

[050] Reacting the chlorinated alkane substrate with a source of chlorine in the presence of a polyvalent bismuth compound, so as to form the chlorinated alkane product, is conducted in the liquid phase, or heterogeneous phase, and under substantially dry conditions, with some embodiments, because the presence of water, such as within the reaction zone, can result in either deactivation of the polyvalent bismuth compound and/or the generation of hypochlorous acid (HOC1) from the reaction of chlorine with water, which can result in the generation of undesirable oxygenated by-products. While not intending to be bound by any theory, it is thought that the presence of water, such as in the reaction zone, can cause the production of hydrochloric acid, because of the reaction of water with chlorine and/or the hydrogen chloride co-product. Hydrochloric acid is an undesirable by-product, which can cause corrosion of vessels, piping, pumps and other equipment that would require the use of equipment made of more expensive hydrochloric acid resistant materials, with some embodiments. In accordance with some embodiments, the reactants, catalyst, etc. charged to the reactor (such as to the reaction zone) have less than 0.1 weight percent water, and which can be described as being substantially dry with some embodiments. The reactants and the reaction medium can contain less than 1000 ppm of water, such as from 5 to 1000 ppm of water, with some embodiments. Water that is present in the reactor before beginning the process (or water that enters the reactor subsequently, such as due to process interruptions) can be expunged by: purging the reactor with a substantially dry or dried gas, such as dry nitrogen, helium, argon, hydrogen chloride, and/or chlorine, optionally in combination with elevated temperature; and/or reduced pressure optionally in combination with elevated temperature.

[051] The reaction time, for the reaction of the chlorinated alkane substrate with a source of chlorine in the presence of a polyvalent bismuth compound, so as to form the chlorinated alkane product, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention can vary, and can depend on various parameters, such as the temperature at which the reaction is performed, the amount of polyvalent bismuth compound used, the nature of the reaction vessel, the desired degree of conversion of the chlorinated alkane substrate, the chlorine feed rate, etc. According to some embodiments, the reaction time can vary from 0.5 to 12 hours, or from 3 to 5 hours, when the reaction is performed in a batch mode. Too long of a reaction time, due to for example restricting chlorine flow to the reactor, can result in an increased formation of undesirable dimerization byproducts, with some embodiments.

[052] When performed in a continuous mode, the flow of reactants into the reactor, the reaction temperature (and pressure), and the volumetric flow of effluents withdrawn from the reactor are chosen to also achieve the desired degree of conversion of the chlorinated alkane substrate to the chlorinated alkane product, while minimizing byproduct formation, in accordance with some embodiments. When conducted in a continuous mode, the average residence time in the reactor can vary from 0.5 to 12 hours, or from 3 to 5 hours, with some embodiments. The average residence time is defined as the reactor volume divided by the flow rate of the chlorinated alkane substrate into the reactor, with some embodiments.

[053] With some embodiments, the reaction of the chlorinated alkane substrate with a source of chlorine in the presence of the polyvalent bismuth compound, so as to form the chlorinated alkane product is performed in a reactor that is fabricated from materials resistant to corrosion by the reactant materials, such as chlorine, the reaction mixture and the products, co-products and byproducts resulting from the reaction, such as hydrogen chloride and the chlorinated alkane product. Suitable materials from which the reactor can be constructed with some embodiments include, but are not limited to, glass, such as glass-lined steel vessels, nickel, nickel alloys, tantalum, fluorohydrocarbon polymers, such as HALAR-lined or TEFLON-lined vessels, such as polytetrafluoroethylene-lined vessels. The reactor vessel itself can be of any suitable design for chlorination reactions of the type described. With some embodiments, the reactor can be a vertical cylindrical vessel, or tubular in design, the design of which can accommodate the temperatures, pressures and corrosive environment associated with the chlorination process. The reactor can be packed with the supported catalyst, as in the case of a plug flow tubular reactor, or operated like a continuously stirred tank reactor, with some embodiments. If the catalyst is not supported by a solid carrier, but remains in liquid form, or solid form, the reactor can have agitation means, such as agitators, to obtain intimate contact between the source of chlorine, the chlorinated alkane substrate, and the polyvalent bismuth compound, and to provide adequate contact of the reaction mixture with heat-transfer surfaces so as to enable adequate temperature control, with some embodiments.

[054] The reaction of the chlorinated alkane substrate with a source of chlorine in the presence of the polyvalent bismuth compound, so as to form the chlorinated alkane product can be performed as a batch and/or continuous reaction, with some embodiments. In both modes, the reactor is associated with additional equipment, such as heating apparatuses to bring the reaction mixture to the desired reaction temperature, cooling apparatuses to remove exothermic heat from the reaction zone, such as by the cooling of the chlorinated alkane substrate or by cooling coils within the reactor, heat exchanger apparatuses to control the temperature of gases and effluents removed from the reactor where required, gaseous effluent scrubbers, solid-liquid separators, and distillation columns to handle hydrogen chloride co-product off-gas, the separation of the principal product from any byproducts, and the separation of polyvalent bismuth compound(s) withdrawn along with liquid heavy by-products.

[055] In accordance with some embodiments, the reactants, such as the chlorinated alkane substrate and gaseous chlorine are introduced continuously into a cylindrical glass-lined reactor equipped with an agitator and containing the chlorinated alkane substrate as the liquid reaction medium and polyvalent bismuth compound. The temperature of the liquid reaction medium is controlled, such as cooled, by way of heat exchange coils within and/or around (or about) the reaction zone.

[056] Hydrogen chloride (HC1) co-product effluent (which can be in the form of a gaseous hydrogen chloride co-product effluent) is removed from the reactor overhead and separated, if necessary, from any chlorinated hydrocarbons carried with it, with some embodiments. The resultant recovered hydrogen chloride is substantially anhydrous and can either: (a) be further purified and used (or sold for use) in other applications; (b) dissolved in water and sold as hydrochloric acid; or (c) scrubbed with an alkali, such as sodium hydroxide, to neutralize the hydrogen chloride, with some embodiments. The resultant alkali metal chloride salt, such as sodium chloride, from such neutralization can be disposed of in an environmentally accepted manner or, in the case of sodium chloride, used as feedstock to a chlorine-caustic electrolytic cell circuit, with some further embodiments.

[057] A crude product stream effluent that includes the chlorinated alkane product is removed from the reactor and optionally forwarded to a distillation zone containing one or more distillation columns (depending on the composition of the product stream and the design of the distillation column), with some embodiments. Unreacted chlorinated alkane substrate separated from this crude product stream in a distillation zone can be recycled back to the reactor (where the reaction of the chlorinated alkane substrate with a source of chlorine in the presence of the polyvalent bismuth compound, so as to form the chlorinated alkane product, is conducted). If necessary, the chlorinated alkane product can be further purified in one or more additional distillation zones containing one or more distillation columns. Byproducts from the distillation zone(s) are recycled to the process or disposed of in an environmentally acceptable way, with some embodiments. [058] With some embodiments, at least a portion of the polyvalent bismuth compound is present in a solid form in the crude product stream effluent, in which case separation of the solid polyvalent bismuth compound can be achieved in accordance with art-recognized separation methods, such as filtration methods, flash distillation methods, and/or centrifuge methods. The isolated polyvalent bismuth compound(s), with some embodiments, can be reintroduced into, such as recycled back to, the reactor, where the reaction of the chlorinated alkane substrate with a source of chlorine in the presence of the polyvalent bismuth compound, so as to form the chlorinated alkane product, is conducted.

[059] As discussed previously herein, with some embodiments, the chlorinated alkane substrate is 1, 1,1,3-tetrachloropropane, and the chlorinated alkane product is 1,1 ,1 , 2,3 -pentachloropropane. The 1, 1,1,3-tetrachloropropane, in accordance with some embodiments, can be obtained from any suitable source. With some embodiments, the 1 , 1 , 1 ,3-tetrachloropropane is formed by reacting carbon tetrachloride with ethylene in the presence of an iron chloride, iron metal, and a trialkylphosphate. Examples of iron chloride include, but are not limited to, ferric chloride and/or ferrous chloride. The term "iron metal" as used herein includes "metallic iron" and sources thereof. Examples of trialkylphosphates include, but are not limited to, triethylphosphates, tripropylphosphates and/or triburylphosphates. Preparation of 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane in accordance with such methods is described in, for example, U.S. patents 4,535,194, 4,650,914, and 8,487, 146 B2 (such as at column 4, line 20 through column 5, line 55 thereof), and EP 0 131 561. Commercially available 1,1 , 1,3-tetrachloropropane material can, with some embodiments, include chemical components derived from the chemical reactants used to synthesize it. For example, commercially available 1, 1,1,3-tetrachloropropane can include contaminating levels of carbon tetrachloride and other chlorinated hydrocarbons.

[060] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane used in the present process is substantially free of chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants, catalysts, other organic materials, such as alcohols with some embodiments, and is substantially free of water, such as containing less than 1000 ppm by weight of water, with some embodiments.

[061] With some embodiments of the method of the present invention, the source of chlorine is chlorine (Cl ₂ ), and reacting 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane with the source of chlorine is conducted with a mole ratio of chlorine (Cl ₂ ) to 1, 1,1,3-tetrachloropropane of from 0.2: 1 to 1.5: 1, or from 0.2:1 to 1.1 : 1 , or from 0.9: 1 to 1.1 : 1, such as 1 :1 (inclusive of the recited values).

[062] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, if an excessive amount of chlorine is used, such as greater than 1.5: 1 (ratio of chlorine (Cl ₂ ) to 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane), other pentachloropropahes, such as 1 ,1, 1,3,3-pentachloropropane and over-chlorinated materials, can, with some embodiments, be produced as byproducts. Conversely, if the amount of chlorine used is significantly lower than 0.2: 1 (ratio of chlorine (Cl ₂ ) to 1, 1,1,3-tetrachloropropane), an increased amount of unreacted material can, with some embodiments, result, which requires removal thereof from the reactor (such as by distillation), and disposal or reuse thereof, which can lead to higher capital and operating costs.

[063] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reacting 1,1 ,1,3-tetrachloropropane with the source of chlorine in the presence of a polyvalent bismuth compound is conducted at a temperature of at least 40°C. The temperature of the reactions, such as in the reaction zone, can range from 40°C to 200°C, or from 50°C to 180°C, or from 80°C to 170°C, or from 120°C to 150°C, with some embodiments. A higher temperature within a described range, such as in the reaction zone, results in a faster chlorination reaction, but increased co-production of undesirable byproducts, such as hexachloropropanes, undesired pentachloropropanes, and materials generally referred to as heavies or bottom products, with some embodiments. As such, and with some embodiments, the production of 1 ,1, 1 ,2,3 -pentachloropropane is performed at a temperature range of 40°C to 200°C, which can provide a desirable rate of reaction and minimize the number and amount of byproducts formed, with some embodiments.

[064] The pressure (such as within the reaction zone) for the reaction of 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane with a source of chlorine in the presence of a polyvalent bismuth compound so as to form 1,1, 1,2,3 -pentachloropropane, can vary, with some embodiments of the present invention. With some embodiments, the pressure is at least 1 psia. With some further embodiments, the pressure is from 1 psia to 500 psia, such as from 1 psia to 200 psia. Operation at high pressures, such as at least 100 psia, makes recovery of the hydrogen chloride (HC1) co-product easier, with some embodiments. Subatmospheric pressures can be used with some embodiments of the present invention. With some further embodiments, subatmospheric pressures are avoided. [065] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reacting 1 ,1,1 ,3-tetrachloropropane with the source of chlorine in the presence of a polyvalent bismuth compound, so as to form 1,1, 1 ,2,3 -pentachloropropane, is conducted at a temperature of at least 40°C, and a pressure of at least 1 psia.

[066] In accordance with some further embodiments of the present invention, reacting 1,1,1 ,3-tetrachloropropane with the source of chlorine in the presence of a polyvalent bismuth compound, so as to form 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane, is conducted at a temperature of from 40°C to 200°C, and a pressure of from 1 psia to 500 psia. With some embodiments, the chlorination methods of the present invention provide improved product selectivity and reduced byproduct production, compared to previous chlorination methods, such as those which are performed in the presence of ferric chloride or aluminum chloride.

[067] The present invention is more particularly described in the examples that follow, which are intended to be illustrative only, since numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

EXAMPLES

[068] In the following examples, Examples 1 and 2 are representative of the present invention. The reaction of Comparative Example 1 was conducted in the absence of a polyvalent bismuth compound.

Example 1

[069] A 600-mL Nickel 200 autoclave vessel was charged with triphenylbismuth (6.9g, obtained commercially from Alfa Aesar, 99%) and 1,1,1 ,3-tetrachloropropane (323. lg, obtained commercially from SynQuest Laboratories). The triphenylbismuth was observed to have completely dissolved in the 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane. The vessel was assembled and sealed, and pressurized to about 100 psig with nitrogen to ensure the vessel was free of leaks. The vessel was then depressurized to about 50 psig and the contents thereof heated to 150°C. When the contents of the vessel reached 140°C, chlorine flow into the vessel was established at about 1.09 g/min flow rate. The ensuing reaction was allowed to proceed for 2.0 hrs. The contents of the vessel were cooled to 50°C, and the interior of the vessel was swept with nitrogen for 10 minutes at 500 standard cubic centimeters per minute (seem) flow to remove excess chlorine. A liquid in the amount of 334.0g (in the form of a hazy light yellow solution) was recovered from the vessel. Black solids were visually observed on the bottom of the vessel, agitator, thermowell, and diptube after emptying. The liquid recovered from the vessel was subjected to gas chromatograph (GC) analysis and determined to have, 30.09 area % of 1,1, 1 ,2,3 -pentachloropropane, 7.19 area % of 1 ,1,1 ,3,3-pentachloropropane, and 59.04 area % of 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane (the area % values being the area under each respective GC peak). The area ratio of 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane : 1 ,1 ,1,3,3- pentachloropropane was determined to be 4.18 : 1.

Example 2

[070] A 600-mL Nickel 200 autoclave vessel was charged with triphenylbismuth dichloride (5.3g, obtained commercially from TCI America, 99%) and 1,1, 1,3- tetrachloropropane (319.0g, obtained commercially from SynQuest Laboratories). The triphenylbismuth dichloride was observed to have completely dissolved in the 1,1,1,3- tetrachloropropane. The vessel was assembled and sealed, and pressurized to about 100 psig with nitrogen to ensure the vessel was free of leaks. The vessel was then depressurized to about 50 psig and the contents thereof heated to 150°C. When the contents of the vessel reached 120°C, HC1 was observed from the reaction vent of the vessel using wet pH paper. When the contents of the vessel reached 135°C, chlorine flow into the vessel was established at about 1.09 g/min flow rate. The ensuing reaction was allowed to proceed for 2.5 hrs. The contents of the vessel were cooled to 60 °C and the interior of the vessel was swept with nitrogen for 10 minutes at 500 seem flow to remove excess chlorine. A liquid in the amount of 373. Og (in the form of a hazy light yellow solution) was recovered from the vessel. A small amount of a white, amorphous powder was observed on the bottom of the vessel after emptying. The liquid recovered ffrom the vessel was subjected to GC analysis and determined to have, 88.63 area % of 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane, 1.03 area % of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane, and no (i.e., 0 area %) 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane. The area ratio of 1,1,1,2,3- pentachloropropane : 1 ,1, 1,3,3-pentachloropropane was determined to be 86.05 : 1.

Comparative Example 1

[071] A 600-mL Nickel 200 autoclave vessel was charged with 1 ,1,1,3- tetrachloropropane (326.8g, obtained commercially from SynQuest Laboratories). The vessel was assembled and sealed, and pressurized to 100 psig with nitrogen to ensure the vessel was free of leaks. The vessel was then depressurized to about 50 psig and the contents thereof heated to 150°C. When the contents of the vessel reached 130°C, chlorine flow into the vessel was established at about 1.09 g/min flow rate. These conditions were maintained for 2.0 hrs. The contents of the vessel were cooled to 50°C and the interior of the vessel was swept with nitrogen for 10 minutes at 500 seem flow to remove excess chlorine. A liquid in the amount of 372.0g (in the form of a clear light yellow solution with no solids present) was recovered from the vessel. The liquid recovered from the vessel was subjected to GC analysis and determined to have, 19.22 area % of 1 , 1 , 1 ,2,3-pentachloropropane, 45.90 area % of 1 , 1 , 1 ,3,3 -pentachloropropane, and 25.90 area % of 1 ,1 ,1 ,3-tetrachloropropane. The area ratio of 1,1,1,2,3- pentachloropropane : 1,1, 1,3, 3 -pentachloropropane was determined to be 0.42 : 1.

[072] The preceding examples demonstrate some of the unexpected and desirable results that can be obtained with the method of the present invention, such as, but not limited to, the selective formation of 1,1, 1,2,3 -pentachloropropane (over the formation of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane) relative to comparative processes, when 1,1,1,3- tetrachloropropane is used as a chlorinated alkane substrate.

[073] The present invention has been described with reference to specific details of particular embodiments thereof. However, it is not intended that such details be regarded as limitations upon the scope of the invention except insofar as and to the extent that they are included in the accompanying claims.