CHLOROMETHANES (METHYL CHLORIDE, METHYLENE CHLORIDE, CHLOROFORM, CARBON TETRACHLORIDE)

Chloromethanes consist of 4 products namely – Methyl Chloride, Methylene Chloride, Chloroform and Carbon tetrachloride. Chloromethane, also called Methyl chloride, or simply R-40 or HCC 40, is a chemical compound of the group of organic compounds called halo alkanes.

Large amounts of chloromethane are produced naturally in the oceans by the action of sunlight on biomass and chlorine in sea foam. However, all chloromethane that is used in industry is produced synthetically. Most chloromethane is prepared by reacting methanol with hydrogen chloride. Further reaction of chloromethane with Chlorines gas will produce dichloromethane, trichloromethane and tetra chloromethane.

Among the halogenated hydrocarbons, the chlorine derivatives of methane monochloromethane (methyl chloride), dichloromethane (methylene chloride), trichloromethane (chloroform) and tetra chloromethane (carbon tetrachloride) play an important role from both industrial and economic standpoints. These products find broad application not only as important chemical intermediates, but also as solvents.

Chloromethane is employed as a methylating and chlorinating agent, e.g. the production of methylcellulose. It is also used in a variety of other fields: as an extractant for greases, oils, and resins, as a propellant and blowing agent in polystyrene foam production, as a local anesthetic, as an intermediate in drug manufacturing, as a catalyst carrier in low-temperature polymerization, as a fluid for thermometric and thermostatic equipment, and as a herbicide.

It is intended to prepare a Feasibility Report to install Chloromethanes production facility utilizing 50 TPD Chlorine Gas available from the existing facility as a Brown Field Project.

The proposed products will be Methyl Chloride, Methylene Chloride, Chloroform and Carbon tetrachloride and excess Hydrochloric Acid.