Dehydrochlorination of 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol by calcium and sodium hydroxide solutions

The results of dehydrochlorination of 88 wt% aqueous solution of 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol to epichlorohydrin are reported. The process was carried out in the reaction-stripping column system with a continuous removal of epichlorohydrin in the steam stream. Aqueous solutions of sodium and calcium hydroxides at concentrations in the range of 3–14 wt% were used for the dehydrochlorination. The infl uence of the type and concentration of dehydrochlorination agent on 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol conversion, the selectivity of transformation to epichlorohydrin and by-products, and the composition of distillate and wastewater were studied.