Atmospheric-Pressure Pyrolysis Study of Chlorobenzene Using Synchrotron Radiation Photoionization Mass Spectrometry

The pyrolysis of chlorobenzene (C6H5Cl) at 760 Torr was studied in the temperature range of 873-1223 K. The pyrolysis products including intermediates and chlorinated aromatics were detected and quantified via synchrotron radiation photoionization mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the photoionization cross sections of chlorobenzene were experimentally measured. On the basis of the experimental results, the decomposition pathways of chlorobenzene were discussed as well as the generation and consumption pathways of the main products. Benzene is the main product of chlorobenzene pyrolysis. Chlorobiphenyl (C12H9Cl), dichlorobiphenyl (C12H8Cl2), and chlorotriphenylene (C18H11Cl) predominated in trace chlorinated aromatic products. Chlorobenzene decomposed initially to form two radicals [chlorophenyl (center dot C6H4Cl) and phenyl (center dot C6H5)] and the important intermediate o-benzyne (o-C6H4). The propagation processes of chlorinated aromatics, including polychlorinated naphthalenes and polychlorinated biphenyls, were mainly triggered by chlorobenzene, chlorophenyl, and benzene via the even-numbered-carbon growth mechanism. Besides, the small-molecule products such as acetylene (C2H2), 1,3,5-hexatriyne (C6H2), and diacetylene (C4H2) were formed via the bond cleavage of o-benzyne (o-C6H4).

Automated summary

The pyrolysis of chlorobenzene at high temperatures produces benzene as the main product, along with various chlorinated aromatics as intermediates. Free radicals and o-benzyne play crucial roles in the decomposition pathways of chlorobenzene. Meanwhile, small-molecule products such as acetylene, 1,3,5-hexatriyne, and diacetylene are formed through the bond cleavage of o-benzyne.