Raman spectroscopy has been applied to the determination of molecular struc
tural features in sulfonated polystyrene resins. Comparison with model comp
ounds has facilitated the identification of key molecular vibrations which
are characteristic of sulfonates and their undissociated acids. Of particul
ar importance in the current study is the ability to undertake analysis of
these resins in the hydrated state, with various amounts of water being pre
sent in the resins. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.