FTIR spectroscopic and reaction kinetics study of the interaction of CF3CFCl2 with gamma-Al2O3

The interaction of CF3CFCl2 with gamma-Al2O3 has been investigated by a com bination of reaction kinetics experiments and FTIR spectroscopic studies. T he reaction of fresh gamma-Al2O3 with CF3CFCl2 at 573 K resulted in the flu orination of the gamma-Al2O3 surface. The reaction also resulted in dehydro xylation of the gamma-Al2O3 and an increase in both the number and strength of Lewis acid sites on the surface. The fluorinated gamma-Al2O3 was cataly tically active for the disproportionation of CF3CFCl2 to CF3CCl3 and CF3CF2 Cl at 353 K. Adsorption of CF3CFCl2 on gamma-Al2O3 at temperatures between 298 and 523 K resulted in the formation of surface trifluoroacetate species , which were stable up to 573 K. These species are likely to be the interme diates for the complete oxidation of CF3CFCl2 to CO and CO2. The transforma tion of gamma-Al2O3, as a result of the CF3CFCl2 adsorption and reaction is discussed.