Tetraethyllead, industrial synthesis

Ethyl Chloride. Previously a significant use for industrial ethanol was the synthesis of ethyl chloride [75-00-3] for use as an intermediate in producing tetraethyllead, an antiknock gasoline additive. Ethanol is converted to ethyl chloride by reaction with hydrochloric acid in the presence of aluminum or zinc chlorides. However, since about 1960, routes based on the direct addition of hydrochloric acid to ethylene or ethane have become more competitive (374,375). 

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