Abstract--The complexation of benzene and several methyl substituted benzenes with exchangeable silver(l) on the interlamellar surfaces of Ag(I)-montmoriUonite has been studied using spectroscopic methods. There are no physically adsorbed molecules interacting with the internal silicate surfaces and the only chemisorbed species present are those which are coordinated through w electrons to the exchangeable Ag(I) ions. In each case the coordinated species are similar to the previously studied Cu(II)-montmorillonite Type I complexes where aromaticity is retained. Complete replacement of coordinated and Other interlamellar water molecules was accomplished with relative ease. Stoichiometric determinations indicate a 2:1 benzene:Ag(I) complex. Similarities between the Cu(II) and Ag(I) complexes are discussed in relation to electronic configurations. INTRODUCTION EXCHANGEABLE metal cations on the interlamellar surfaces of the swelling minerals such as the smectites have been shown to be capable of coordination with molecules which donate electrons. Obviously the complexation interaction depends upon the electron donating capabilities of the ligand and the electron accepting properties of the metal cation. Thus cations of the transition metal group having unfilled d orbitals possess relatively strong coordinating properties while the alkali metals are much less so inclined, alkaline earth metal ions being intermediate between these groups. Molecules possessing functional groups containing atoms such as N or O can form quite discrete complexes on the surface of the smectites if the exchangeable cation has strong electrophilic properties. In addition it has recently been shown that benzene Mortland 1969, Mortland and) and methyl substituted benzenes can complex With Cu(II) montmoriUonite through donation of rr electrons. The work here is concerned with ~-complexes between arenes and Ag(I) on the exchange sites of montmorillonite.