Pd supported on calcined Mg-Cr hydrotalcite, MgO and Cr2O3 are prepared and tested for the hydrogenolysis of CCl2F2. It is found that 6 wt.% Pd loading is optimum on MgO-Cr2O3 hydrotalcite. The hydrogenolysis activities for CCl2F2 are found in the order: Pd/HT > Pd/MgO > Pd/Cr2O3. While Pd/HT is yielding deep hydrogenation product (CH4) with more selectivity, Pd/MgO is yielding dechlorination product (CH2F2). Pd/Cr2O3 is showing poor activity. It is observed that calcined Mg-Cr hydrotalcite has shown synergy when used as a support for Pd and used for the hydrogenolysis of CCl2F2. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.