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

The interaction Of SO2 With the inverted spinel MgFe2O4 in the presenc e 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 an d in the absence of oxygen. Evidence is found for a catalytic effect o f the ferric oxide component in the oxi dation Of SO2. Sulfate species are stable up to 773 K. Pyridine adsorption experiments show that sul fated magnesium ferrite is a Lewis acidic solid and does not present B ronsted acidity.