M. H. Milnes
Aug 6, 1971
Citations
0
Influential Citations
65
Citations
Journal
Nature
Abstract
IN the course of investigating an explosion which occurred in the Coalite Company's 2,4,5-trichlorophenol plant in 1968, a white crystalline solid of high melting point and extremely high toxicity was isolated which proved to be 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin. The manufacture of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol involves the hydrolysis of 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene using methanol and caustic soda at elevated pressure or ethylene glycol and caustic soda at atmospheric pressure. The plant in which the accident occurred used the latter process.