New chromium pillared clays of basal spacing 2.45 nm were synthesized and characterized. The chromium oligomers used for intercalation were prepared by quick addition of base and acid to Cr(III) monomeric solutions followed by reflux. The synthesized clays exhibit increased BET surface area and higher micropore volume compared to clays with lower galleries, pillared either by smaller Cr(III) oligomers or by Cr(III) monomers. Important parameters affecting the d(001) basal spacing were studied, e.g. the pH of the pillaring solution, the intercalation time, the chromium concentration and the counter-anion present in the chromium solutions. Scanning electron micrographs were acquired to demonstrate changes of the clay texture before and after pillaring. The thermal behavior of the synthesized clays was also examined. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.