Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) constitute a promising technology for the treatment of wastewaters containing non-easily removable organic compounds. Chlorophenols (CPs) are a group of special interest due to their high toxicity and low biodegradability. Data concerning the degradation of CPs by means of AOPs reported during the period 1995-2002 are evaluated in this work. Among the AOPs, the following techniques are studied: processes based on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 + UV, Fenton, photo-Fenton and Fenton-like processes), photolysis, photocatalysis and processes based on ozone (O-3, O-3 + UV and O-3 + catalyst). Half-life times and kinetic constants for CP degradation are reviewed and the different mechanistic degradation pathways are taken into account. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.