Synthesis of o-chlorobenzoic acid by photochlorination and hydrolysis reaction

A tower reactor was used for the preparation of o-chlorobenzoic acid from o-chlorotulene by photochlorination and hydrolysis reation. Effects of the chemical light source, reaction temperature, flow rate of chlorine and volume of catalyst added on the reaction process have been investigated, and the optimal condition of reaction has been obtained. Under the optimal condition, the reaction time is much less than that reported in the literature and the product quality is high.