Microwave-assisted hydrogenation of chlorinated phenols, such as 4-chlorophenol and pentachlorophenol, using platinum supported on activated carbon (Pt/C) as a catalyst, leads to rapid dechlorination, giving chlorine-free chemicals such as phenol, cyclohexanol, and other chlorine-free highly reduced compounds, which provides a facile and complete detoxification method for robust chlorinated aromatics.