Fe3+ doped MgF2 catalysts are synthesized via a new two-step non-aqueous route using different Fe3+ precursors. The catalysts are characterised by BET surface area, X-ray diffraction, TPD of ammonia, FT-IR pyridine adsorption analysis and evaluated in different Lewis acid catalysed reactions viz., dismutation of CCl2F2, hydrofluorination Of C2O4 and benzoylation of anisole. Catalysts synthesized from Fe(OCH3)(3) and Mg(OCH3)(2), with a surface area of 243 m(2)/g, high acid strength and good catalytic activity have been obtained. All the systems show a significant Lewis acid band in the FIF-IR-PAS of pyridine complexes. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.