Copper oxide catalysts supported on magnesium fluoride were studied, b
eing prepared by the impregnation and precipitation-deposition method.
IR and EPR study revealed the presence of two kinds of Cu(II) complex
es: copper-oxide and copper-fluoride octa hedra on the surface of the
CuO/MgF2 samples. These complexes were the precursors of the active si
tes responsible for the redox reactions such as 2-propanol decompositi
on and reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline.