Chlorination of phenol and ortho-chlorophenot was studied in micellar media in order to observe the effect on regioselectivity. Hydrogen peroxide/hydrochloric acid-aqueous system, which is environmentally a safer route was employed for chlorination. Selectivity ratio was found to be dependent on the nature and concentration of the surfactant. Ortholpara selectivity ratio up to 12 was realized for the chlorination of phenol. 2,6-/2,4-dichlorophenol ratio up to 1.01 was realized for the chlorination of ortho-chlorophenol. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.