A kinetic method is developed for determining carbonate ions. The meth
od is based on the indicator complexation reaction between aluminum an
d Xylenol Orange catalyzed by carbonate ions. The optimum reaction con
ditions are determined. The effects of cations and anions on the react
ion rate are studied. The detection Limit of the carbonate ion is foun
d to be 0.2 mu g/mL.