Photochlorination is a free-radical chain reaction in which molecular chlorine (Cl₂) is cleaved into highly reactive chlorine radicals by ultraviolet (UV) light. These radicals then react with C–H bonds of organic substrates, converting them into C–Cl bonds with high selectivity and efficiency. Unlike thermal chlorination, photochlorination operates at or near ambient temperature, making it ideal for thermally sensitive molecules and offering superior selectivity for specific positions on the carbon chain.
The reaction proceeds in three stages: Initiation (UV light cleaves Cl₂ → 2 Cl•), Propagation (Cl• abstracts H from substrate, new radical reacts with Cl₂), and Termination (radical recombination). Because the chain length is very long, even low UV intensity drives high conversion at industrial scale.
Why choose Anshul for Photochlorination? We operate dedicated photochlorination reactors with precisely controlled UV lamp arrays, Cl₂ feed systems and scrubbing units — built specifically for specialty chemical and pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing. Our team has decades of experience safely handling chlorine gas and managing the exothermic heat release inherent to these reactions.
Multi-kilogram to multi-ton photochlorination capacity. Our plants in Halol (Gujarat) and Roha (Maharashtra) are equipped with glass-lined and PTFE-lined UV reactors designed for safe, continuous chlorine handling.
We photochlorinate a wide range of substrates including acetone, acetyl compounds, aromatic side-chains and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Route scouting and feasibility studies available for new molecules.
Dedicated HCl absorption scrubbers, continuous Cl₂ leak monitoring, caustic scrubbing and ISO 14001-certified environmental management. Responsible Care® certified operations.
ISO 9001 quality systems. Full batch records, CoA, MSDS and regulatory dossier support for pharma customers. EcoVadis rated supplier.
Below is a selection of products Anshul Specialty Molecules manufactures using photochlorination technology. Custom photochlorination projects for new intermediates are also accepted.
Anshul Specialty Molecules operates as a full-service CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) and CMO (Contract Manufacturing Organization) for photochlorination projects. We take your molecule from bench to commercial scale — providing process development, safety assessments, scale-up and GMP manufacturing under one roof.
Our parent group, the Excel Group, has been a pillar of Indian specialty chemical manufacturing for over five decades, providing the financial stability, infrastructure and regulatory track record that global pharma customers require.
Choosing the right chlorination method matters for yield, selectivity and cost. Here is how photochlorination compares:
Whether you need a few kilograms for clinical trials or multi-ton commercial supply, our team is ready to discuss your photochlorination project. Send us your structure, required purity, quantity and timeline.
Anshul Specialty Molecules combines decades of photochlorination expertise with modern infrastructure and a proven global supply track record.
Our CDMO Services Contact Our Team