Title: Montmorillonite

CAS Registry Number: 1318-93-0

Literature References: A clay forming the principal constituent of bentonite and fuller's earth. Approximate formula: R+0.33(Al,Mg)2Si4O10(OH)2.nH2O where R+, in natural material, includes one or more of the cations Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, and possibly others.

CAUTION: Inhalation of the dust can cause respiratory irritation.

Use: In industrial chromatographic technique, e.g., US 2626888 and GB 697060 (1953 to Merck & Co.), describing the elution of vitamin B12-active substances adsorbed on montmorillonite adsorbents. Widely used in the petroleum industry. Also as catalyst carrier.