Dynamic behaviour of chlorofluoroethanes at fluorinated chromia aerogels and fluorinated zinc(II) or magnesium(II) doped chromia aerogels

The preparation and characterisation of two series of fluorinated chromia aerogel materials, lightly doped with zinc(II) or magnesium(II), are described. They behave as heterogeneous catalysts for transformations of 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane under HF-free conditions and at moderate temperatures. Product distributions depend critically on the contact time. When the latter is very long (static conditions) the surface becomes chlorinated, notwithstanding its fluorinated nature. Rather surprisingly, in view of previous work, the catalytic behaviour of the materials is almost identical to that of the undoped fluorinated chromia aerogel. The nature of reactions occurring under HF-free conditions and low levels of doping achievable are discussed as possible factors in determining catalytic behaviour.