Halogen chemistry plays a central role in the industrial manufacture of various important chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. It involves the reaction of halogens or halides with hydrocarbons, leading to intermediate compounds which are readily converted to valuable commodities. These transformations, predominantly mediated by heterogeneous catalysts, have long been successfully applied in the production of polymers. Recent discoveries of abundant conventional and unconventional natural gas reserves have revitalized strong interest in these processes as the most cost-effective gas-to-liquid technologies. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the fundamental understanding and applied relevance of halogen chemistry in polymer industries (polyvinyl chloride, polyurethanes, and polycarbonates) and in the activation of light hydrocarbons. The reactions of particular interest include halogenation and oxyhalogenation of alkanes and alkenes, dehydrogenation of alkanes, conversion of alkyl halides, and oxidation of hydrogen halides, with emphasis on the catalyst, reactor, and process design. Perspectives on the challenges and directions for future development in this exciting field are provided.

中文翻译：

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卤素介导的碳氢化合物向大宗商品的转化

卤素化学在各种重要化学药品，药物和聚合物的工业生产中起着核心作用。它涉及卤素或卤化物与碳氢化合物的反应，从而产生易于转化为有价值商品的中间体化合物。这些主要由非均相催化剂介导的转化早已成功地应用于聚合物的生产中。最近发现的丰富的常规和非常规天然气储量，使这些方法成为最具成本效益的气液技术，引起了人们的浓厚兴趣。这篇综述提供了对卤素化学在聚合物工业（聚氯乙烯，聚氨酯和聚碳酸酯）以及轻烃活化中的基本理解和应用相关性的深入分析。特别令人关注的反应包括烷烃和烯烃的卤化和氧卤代，烷烃的脱氢，烷基卤化物的转化以及卤化氢的氧化，重点是催化剂，反应器和工艺设计。提供了有关这一令人兴奋领域的挑战和未来发展方向的观点。