A high degree of exchange of Na+ by K+ or Li+ in dehydrated zeolite NaA can be induced by heating mixtures of KCl, KBr, or LiCl with NaA at temps. below the m.ps. of the alkali metal halides. Part of the NaCl reaction product diffuses out of the zeolite pores and crystallizes alone or with the residual KCl or LiCl. The degree of ion exchange increases as temperature increases.

Key words: HALIDE, ION EXCHANGING, MOLECULAR SIEVE, POTASSIUM ION, LITHIUM ION, ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS