Counterion binding to poly(allylammonium) cation

Chloride ion activity coefficients in aqueous solutions of poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAA · HCl) have been determined both in the absence and the presence of simple salts. Without added salt, the activity coefficient depends on the polymer concentration. With added salt, the binding of added counterions by PAAH + is evaluated from the release of chloride ion. The extent of interaction between counterions and PAAH + at a given polymer concentration decreases in the order SO ≫ ClO > NO > Cl − > Br − > I − . This order of counterion selectivity agrees with the previous estimation of potentiometric titrations. The result shows that the hydration of the counterion, as well as its charge, plays an important part in counterion binding to the polyion.