Conversion of Anion Exchange Resins to Different Anion Forms

Abstract

While addressing the need to dispose used anion exchange resins in a nitrate form, the question of their conversion to a citrate form as described in a procedure underwent some scrutiny. It was established that the term “citrate” actually referred to the monodeprotonated form of citric acid at a pH of 3.6 in order to effectively displace the nitrate ion and replace it with the dihydrogen citrate. A complete study of various conditions to reach this conclusion is presented along with a comparison with the performance of sodium salicylate as an alternative to citrate.