In this work, the degradation and mineralization of Orange II solutions (0. 1 mM) using catalysts based on pillared saponite impregnated with several iron salts is reported. Oxidation is carried out in a batch reactor, in presence of various hydrogen peroxide concentrations, and in a wide range of temperature and pH values. Twelve samples are prepared, with three iron loads (7.5, 13.0 and 17.0 wt.%) and four iron salts as precursors, namely Fe(II) acetate, Fe(II) oxalate, Fe(II) acetylacetonate and Fe(III) acetylacetonate. The samples are characterized using X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and adsorption Of nitrogen at 77 K. The catalytic results show that these solids present good properties for the degradation and mineralization of Orange II solutions, allowing to reach, in the best conditions and after 4 It of oxidation, 99% of dye degradation with 91% of total organic carbon (TOC) reduction (at 70 degrees C), using only ca. 90 mg of clay catalyst per litre of solution. Nevertheless, 96% of dye removal with 82% of mineralization are also reached at 30 degrees C. Besides, the amount of iron released into the final solution is lower than 1 ppm, in the worst of the cases, and 0.09 ppm in the best case. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.