Chemical processes are disclosed that react iron tetracarbonyl dichloride with an alkyl phosphate producing carbon monoxide and a compound represented by the formula FeCl2—(O═P(OR)3)n where n is an integer. Simultaneously or subsequently an alkene with carbon tetrachloride may be reacted in the presence of the compound represented by the formula FeCl2—(O═P(OR)3)n where n is an integer to produce a chlorinated hydrocarbon.