A method for producing metal chloride M.sup.x+Clx includes reacting metal carbonate in solid form using phosgene, diphosgene and/or triphosgene to form metal chloride M.sup.x+Clx, wherein the metal M is selected from the group containing alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, Al and Zn, Li and Mg, or Li, for example, and x corresponds to the valency of the metal cations. An apparatus for performing such method is also disclosed.