FeF3/MgF2: novel Lewis acidic catalyst systems

Fe3+ doped MgF2 catalysts are synthesized via a new two-step non-aqueous route using different Fe3+ precursors. The catalysts are characterised by BET surface area, X-ray diffraction, TPD of ammonia, FT-IR pyridine adsorption analysis and evaluated in different Lewis acid catalysed reactions viz., dismutation of CCl2F2, hydrofluorination of C2Cl4 and benzoylation of anisole. Catalysts synthesized from Fe(OCH3)3 and Mg(OCH3)2, with a surface area of 243 m2/g, high acid strength and good catalytic activity have been obtained. All the systems show a significant Lewis acid band in the FT-IR-PAS of pyridine complexes.