Reductive destruction of halogenated hydrocarbons in liquids and solids with solvated electrons

In the search for a safe and complete dehalogenation method for environmentally hazardous halogenated hydrocarbons, the reduction with solvated electrons generated by dissolving sodium in liquid ammonia was applied to various organohalogens in solution or sorbed on solid matrices. Polluted materials such as adsorber charcoal, soil, sediments, ashes and even polymers are readily accessible for dehalogenation with sodium in liquid ammonia. This procedure is already well established as a useful preparation tool and overcomes the scientific and technological shortcomings of traditional processes using dispersed sodium. The described method is remarkably effective, fast and distinguished by a high dehalogenation efficiency for a wide variety of halogenated compounds.