FT-IR STUDY OF THE INTERACTION OF MAGNESIUM FERRITE WITH SO2

The interaction Of SO2 With the inverted spinel MgFe2O4 in the presence and in the absence of oxygen has been studied by FT-IR spectroscopy in the temperature range 300-773 K. SO2 adsorbs in the form of sulfito complexes that transform to sulfato complexes both in the presence and in the absence of oxygen. Evidence is found for a catalytic effect of the ferric oxide component in the oxi dation Of SO2. Sulfate species are stable up to 773 K. Pyridine adsorption experiments show that sulfated magnesium ferrite is a Lewis acidic solid and does not present Bronsted acidity.