Synthesis and characterization of new Mg–O–F system and its application as catalytic support

•New heterogeneous catalytic systems are highlighted.•MgF2–MgO, MgF2 and MgO as catalyst supports and iridium as an active phase•Cheap and simple method to achieve MgF2–MgO system.•A series of Ir supported magnesium oxo-fluoride catalysts were prepared.•Iridium catalysts for hydrogenation reaction

The Mg–O–F system (MgF2–MgO) with different contents of MgF2 (100–0%) and MgO is tested as support of iridium catalysts in the hydrogenation of toluene as a function of the MgF2/MgO ratio. Mg–O–F samples have been prepared by the reaction of magnesium carbonate with hydrofluoric acid. The MgF2–MgO supports, after calcination at 500 °C, are classified as mesoporous of surface area (34–135 m2·g− 1) depending on the amount of MgO introduced. The Ir/Mg–O–F catalysts have been tested in the hydrogenation of toluene. The highest activity, expressed as TOF, min− 1, was obtained for the catalyst supported on Mg–O–F containing 75 mol%MgF2.

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