INTRODUCTION :

Chlorobenzene is an organic chemical compound classified within the halogen group, which
contains a chlorine atom attached to a benzene ring. With its chemical formula C6H5Cl,
chlorobenzene is considered a fundamental material in the chemical industry and is used as
an intermediate in the production of many organic chemicals such as diphenyl, nitrobenzene,
and aniline, in addition to its uses in the manufacture of pesticides, dyes, pharmaceuticals,
and perfumes. The importance of chlorobenzene stems from its unique properties, such as
chemical stability and the ability to react with other materials to form new compounds.

Historically, methods for producing chlorobenzene were first developed in the late 19th
century, and since then, industrial processes have evolved significantly. Chlorobenzene is
currently produced in large quantities through the direct chlorination of benzene in the
presence of catalysts such as ferric chloride or other metal chlorides under specific
temperature and pressure conditions. This process allows for the production of
chlorobenzene with high purity and in a cost-effective manner compared to other methods.

From an environmental and health perspective, chlorobenzene is considered a substance

that requires caution in handling. It is classified as a harmful material that may cause
irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system upon exposure to large quantities, and it
may have harmful effects on the environment if not handled properly. Therefore, the
importance of using personal protective equipment and following health and environmental
safety guidelines in all stages of the production, storage, and transportation of
chlorobenzene is emphasized.

In recent years, the chemical industry has witnessed significant transformations towards
adopting more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. In this context, ongoing
research and development are being conducted to improve chlorobenzene production
processes

USES :
Chlorobenzene is a chemical compound with numerous industrial uses and applications.
Here are some of the main benefits and uses of chlorobenzene:

1. Intermediate in Chemistry:
• Chlorobenzene is used as an intermediate in the production of many other chemical
compounds, such as dyes and pesticides.
2. Pharmaceutical Production:
• It is used in the manufacturing of certain medicines, where it is a component in some
active compounds.

3. Industrial Solvents:
• It serves as a solvent in cleaning and drying processes, where it is valued for its ability
to dissolve a wide range of organic materials.

4. Plastic Production:
• It is used in the production of certain types of plastic and synthetic rubber.

5. Fluorocarbon Compounds:
• It is a starting point for producing fluorocarbon compounds used in refrigerators and
air conditioners.

6. Dyes:
• It is involved in the manufacturing of some dyes and coloring materials used in
industry.

7. Insecticides:
• It is used in the production of some insecticides used in agriculture.

8. Electrical Applications:
• It is used in the manufacturing of some insulating materials in electrical applications.

9. Chemical Analysis:
• It is employed in certain chemical analysis techniques as a standard material.

10. Other Applications:

 • It is involved in the manufacturing of thermal fluids and other compounds used in
various fields.

Usage Notes:
• Chlorobenzene should be handled with caution, as it is a toxic and irritating substance.
Therefore, appropriate safety procedures should be followed when using it.

Physical Properties :
Chlorobenzene is an organic compound characterized by several physical and chemical
properties. Here are some physical properties of chlorobenzene:
1. Chemical formula: C6H5Cl
2. Molecular weight: Approximately 112.56 g/mol.
3. Physical state: Liquid at room temperature.
4. Color: Transparent and colorless liquid.
5. Odor: Has a distinctive smell similar to chlorine.
6. Boiling point: Approximately 132.0°C.
7. Melting point: Approximately -45.0°C.
8. Density: Approximately 1.11 g/cm³.

Chemical Reactions:
Chlorobenzene can be produced through several methods. Here are some common
production methods:
1. Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution (EAS): Chlorination of benzene: Benzene can react
with chlorine in the presence of a catalyst (usually iron chloride, FeCl3) to produce
chlorobenzene. The reaction is:
 2. Nucleophilic Substitution: Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution (NAS): Chlorobenzene
can also be formed by replacing a leaving group (such as a nitro group) with a
nucleophilic group in a precursor compound. This method is less common for direct
chlorobenzene production.
3. Direct Chlorination of Phenol: Phenol can be treated with phosphorus pentachloride
(PCl5) or thionyl chloride (SOCl2) to produce chlorobenzene.
4. Hydrochlorination of Benzene: In this method, benzene can react with hydrogen
chloride (HCl) in the presence of a catalyst, leading to the formation of chlorobenzene.
5. Dehydrochlorination: Some methods involve starting from chloroalkanes and
conducting reactions to produce chlorobenzene.
6. Industrial Methods: In industrial settings, chlorobenzene is often produced as a
byproduct in the manufacture of other chemicals, such as through the cumene process
or during the production of phenol and acetone.
These methods vary in efficiency, yield, and environmental impact. The choice of production
method often depends on the specific requirements of the process and economic
considerations.

Process Selection:
Chlorobenzene is a chemical compound used in a wide range of industrial applications. One
of the primary methods for its industrial production is through the chlorination of aromatic
hydrocarbons. There are several methods to produce chlorobenzene, but the most common
and optimal method is through the reaction of benzene with chlorine gas.
Reasons for Choosing This Method:
1. Efficiency: This method yields a high output of chlorobenzene using common and
affordable raw materials.
2. Control of Conditions: The reaction conditions (such as temperature and the amount
of chlorine) can be controlled to optimize the reaction rate and options for obtaining
multiple products (such as dichlorobenzene, if the quantity is controlled).
3. Environmental Load: Although chlorine is a compound of environmental concern, the
traditional method of producing chlorobenzene is considered within the acceptable
industrial range.
 4. Economic Feasibility: The raw materials are readily available, making this method
more economically viable compared to other more complex or costly methods.
Therefore, the combination of efficiency, low costs, and the ability to control reaction
conditions makes the reaction of benzene with chlorine the optimal method for industrial
production of chlorobenzene.

Process Description :
The goal of this project is to design a chlorobenzine production plant that produces greater
than more 95% monochlorobenzine and greater than more 80% para-dichlorobenzine
through the direct chlorination of benzine. Caustic solution is available available at the
specified conditions to remove impurities from the products. The core of the process
involves a reactor where benzine and chlorine gas are reacted according to the previous
reaction shown. The reaction occurs in two phases with a vapor draw off. The liquid effluent
moves on to a washer unit, where the remaining hydrogen chloride is reacted with caustic
solution in a neutralization reaction and removed in a waste stream. From the washer, the
process stream moves into a benzene separator, where unreacted benzene is drawn off the
top and can be used as a potential recycle source. The Bottoms product moves on to a
chlorobenzine separator, which separates the two chlorobenzine products.

Design Specification:

1. Produce >95 mol% pure monochlorobenzene

2. Produce >80 mol% pure p-dichlorobenzenes

Given Parameters:
Feed

Benzene:

Flow rate = 200 kmol/hr Purity = 95 mol% (balance water)

Chlorine gas:

Flow rate = 500 kmol/hr Purity 100 mol%

Conditions ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure

Caustic

Flow rate 25 kmol/hr

Composition = 10 mol% NaOH (balance water) Conditions ambient temperature,

atmospheric pressure

Flow sheet :