Methanol Formation from Dichloromethane under Hydrothermal Conditions

CH(2)CI(2) (1 mole) mixed with NaOH (2 moles) was treated under hydrothermal conditions at 250 degreeC. The chlormated methane was completely hydrolyzed to form methanol and the formate by the Cannizzaro reaction. The reactant and products were analyzed by 1H-. 2H-, and (13)C-NMR. Solvent isotope effect on the transformation was also investigated. The hazardous and environmentally troublesome organic solvent was safely eonverted into the useful compounds.