A process for the preparation of 1,2-dichloroethane that is very pure with respect to chloral or/and chloral hydrate and carbon dioxide is described herein. The process comprises oxychlorination of ethylene, using hydrogen chloride and an oxygen-containing gas, and alkali treatment of the 1,2-dichloroethane produced. In the process, the carbon dioxide present in the 1,2-dichloroethane-containing organic phase is, in accordance with the invention, substantially separated out from the 1,2-dichloroethane-containing organic phase before the alkali treatment.