Constitution of Mixed‐Alkali Phosphate Glasses: II, Constitution of Variable Lithium Constant Sodium‐Potassium Phosphate Glasses

In order to study the cationic influence of lithium, if any, the constitution of variable lithium constant sodium‐potassium phosphate glasses was determined using paper chromatographic methods. It was possible to prepare glasses with very low ñ, the number average chain length value. Glasses with ñ values of 2, 1.75, and 1.5 could be prepared for glasses with Li:Na:K atomic ratios of 1:1:1 and 2:1:1. Attempts to prepare a glass with ñ= 1.25 were unsuccessful. At higher lithium concentrations, it was not possible to prepare glasses with low ñ values. The constitution of lithium phosphate glasses was reinvestigated. A comparison of the constitutions of mixed‐cation phosphate glasses and lithium glasses indicates a small but definite cationic effect. The significance of these results in relation to Van Wazer's polymer theory and distribution laws is discussed.