Abstract: Hydrotalcite-like materials are stable in the crystalline oxide structure and essentially reversible in anion exchange. A novel process of sulfur oxide sorption is provided utilizing these hydrotalcite materials as contact solids. Large crystalline sheet materials having increased sorption of SO.sub.x are provided by incorporation of certain organic acid anionic species to modify the hydrotalcite/brucite structure. Typical industrial applications include sulfur removal from fluid catalyst cracking process, cold-side combustion gas sulfur abatement and cleaner coal gasification.