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.