Treatment of anion exchange materials containing hydroxyl containing moieties in the beta position relative to the quaternary center in the hydroxide form with glycidol substantially alters the selectivity of the anion exchange material. Furthermore, sequential treatments of first a hydroxide containing solution to put the anion exchange material in the hydroxide form followed by treatment with glycidol in an alternating sequence progressively changes selectivity in a predictable manner allowing facile manipulation of selectivity. Unique to the selectivities achievable with this chemistry is the ability to reverse the elution order of sulfate and carbonate. With all other known systems, carbonate elutes ahead of sulfate and sometimes compromises the ability to quantitate sulfate. With glycidol treatment, carbonate can be moved after sulfate which eliminates interference issues for samples containing significantly more carbonate than sulfate. This modification is useful for columns operated with a hydroxide or carbonate eluent system.