Influence of Acid-Base Properties of MFe.sub.2O.sub.4 Ferrites on Their Selectivity in the Conversion of Ethanol to Acetone

The acidity and basicity of MFe.sub.2O.sub.4 (M(II) = Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn) ferrites of the spinel structure have been characterized by temperature-programmed desorption of NH.sub.3 and CO.sub.2. It is shown that both medium-strength basic and acid sites play an important role in the process of acetone obtaining from ethanol over ferrites. The selectivity of ethanol conversion to acetone depends both on the acid-base properties of the surface and on the ability of the surface oxygen of ferrite to participate in the intermediate redox stages of formation and steam reforming of acetone.