Thus, the present invention relates to the synthesis of layered double hydroxide compositions more specifically, hydrotalcite-like materials of the formula M1-x 2+ Mx 3+ (OH)2 !(An-)x/n.pH2 O wherein M2+ is one or more divalent metal ions and M3+ is one or more trivalent metal ions, A is an anion of charge n-, and x is between about 0.15 and 0.35, which are suitable for the absorption of SOx.