The present invention relates to improved processes for selectively chlorinating acyl compounds at the alpha or 2-position. The process of the present invention comprises a method of producing alpha-chloro acyl chlorides comprising contacting an acyl chloride with a chlorine source at a temperature of about 75.degree. C. to about 125.degree. C. in the presence of (i) an effective amount of an auxiliary acidic agent and (ii) an effective amount of a food grade antioxidant and optionally (iii) an effective amount of oxygen or air.
