The IR and EPR results of MgF2-supported chromium oxide catalysts reve
aled the presence of ''chromate like'' tetrahedral surface species and
CrO6 clusters of Cr2O3 structure. Changes of the state of the magnesi
um fluoride hydroxylation after introduction of chromium oxide to the
system were observed with IR spectroscopy. Determination of acidic pro
perties by means of pyridine as probe molecule enabled the origin of t
he acid centres to be explained.