Hydrodechlorination of dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12) over Pd/Al2O3 and Pd-Au/Al2O3 catalysts

During an initial stage of the reaction of CCl2F2 with hydrogen on alumina-supported Pd and Pd-Au catalysts, an extensive defluorination occurs. However, at steady state, this undesired defluorination is greatly reduced; CH4 and CH2F2 constitute the only major reaction products. A temperature programmed hydrogen treatment study shows retention of fluorine (and carbon) in used catalysts.