The sorption of maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone) by Fe-montmorillonite
from aqueous solutions is pH dependent. IR and Mossbauer spectroscopy indic
ate bonding of maltol oxygen ligands to the interlayer Fe(III). Simultaneou
sly maltol releases part of the Fe(III) into the solution. The interaction
of the Fe-maltolato complex with Na-montmorillonite occurs by ion exchange.