p-Aminobenzoate ion intercalated alpha-hydroxides of nickel/cobalt were synthesized by precipitation using ammonia (pH = similar to 12). Aqueous colloidal suspension of alpha-hydroxide of nickel/cobalt was obtained on washing the precipitate as the pH was reduced to similar to 7. The development of partial positive charge on the amine end of the intercalated anion causes repulsion between the layers leading to exfoliation and colloidal suspension of monolayers in water. While the layers could be restacked from the colloidal suspension in the presence of other anions in the case of alpha-cobalt hydroxide, the exfoliation could not be reversed easily in the case of the nickel analog. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.