Phosgene reactor design

An equimolar mixture of carbon monoxide and chlorine reacts at 500 K under a slight positive pressure. The reaction is extremely exothermic (Ai/gQQp. = —109.7 kJ or —26.22 kcal), and heat removal is the limiting factor in reactor design. Phosgene (qv) is often produced on-site for use in the manufacture of toluene diisocyanate (see Amines, aromatic-diaminotoluenes Isocyanates, organic). 

Figure 10-9 Original design of phosgene reactor before informal safety review.

Figure 10-11 Final design of phosgene reactor after informal safety review.

Consider the laboratory reactor system shown in Figure 10-9. This system is designed to react phosgene (COCl2) with aniline to produce isocyanate and HC1. The reaction is shown in Figure 10-10. The isocyanate is used for the production of foams and plastics. 

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