Process for removing a small-molecule contaminant from a chlorine compound stream

The invention pertains to a process for removing a small-molecule contaminant from a chlorine-compound stream, the process comprising an adsorption sequence comprising the steps of (i) an adsorption sequence comprising the steps of - contacting a chlorine compound stream comprising a small- molecule contaminant with an adsorbent for the small- molecule contaminant, the chlorine compound being chlorine or chloromethane, said chlorine compound stream being in the liquid phase, and - withdrawing a purified chlorine compound stream from which small- molecule contaminant has been removed from the adsorbent, and (ii) a desorption sequence comprising the steps of - contacting the adsorbent containing small-molecule contaminant with a chlorine compound stream in the gaseous phase, and - withdrawing a chlorine compound stream comprising small molecule contaminant in the gaseous phase from the adsorbent, wherein the chlorine compound stream used in the desorption sequence is derived from the purified chlorine compound stream obtained in the adsorption section. The chlorine compound steam preferably is a chlorine stream or a monochloromethane stream. The small-molecule contaminant preferably is water. The process according to the invention allows the use of less equipment and gas streams, is flexible and avoids the introduction of additional contaminants.