Catalytic chemistry of chloro- and chlorofluorocarbon dehalogenation: from macroscopic observations to molecular level understanding Original Research Article

The macroscopic performance of monometallic Group VIII metal catalysts and bimetallic Group VIII metal-containing catalysts for dehalogenation reactions and the mechanistic aspects of the reactions are reviewed. Of primary importance is the dechlorination of multiply chlorinated C2–C3 hydrocarbons containing Cl atoms attached to adjacent carbons. The chemistry of geminal chloro- and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) dehalogenation catalyzed by supported noble metal-containing catalysts in the presence of H2 is also reviewed. The hydrodehalogenative oligomerization of C1 chloro and chlorofluorocarbons is considered with the greatest detailed; however, the hydrodechlorination chemistry is also addressed.