The formation of chlorodibenzo-p-dioxins by air oxidation and chlorination of bituminous coal

A well characterized bituminous coal was subjected to high temperature air oxidation and chlorination. After an extensive cleanup procedure, the reaction products were analyzed for chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Substantial quantities of chlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, some of which are known to be highly toxic, were observed with chlorination by hydrogen chloride and chlorine gas.