Investigation of the chlorination mechanism of metal oxides by chlorine

The mechanisms of chlorination of metal oxides by chlorine in various media are reviewed. The contacting-diffusion mechanism was proposed based on the investigation of chlorination processes and the data analysis. Chlorination of the oxides in carbon-thermal media is carried out via two-step mechanism, e.g. through the formation of oxy-carbochlorides and then, chlorides. The proposed mechanism is applicable for all types of oxide compounds.