The presence of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acid est-ers was shown to originate from 2,4,5-tri-chlorophenol used in industrial processes. The dimerization is thought to occur when the phenol is produced from the corresponding tetrachlorobenzene by the action of alkali. Logically all products originating from chlorinated benzenes treated with alkali are possible...