Separate polar amines such as ethanolamines using a high-capacity carboxylate-functionalized cation-exchange column with simple aqueous eluents. Specifically optimized for the separation of common cations, small polar amines, and moderately hydrophobic and polyvalent cations using simple aqueous eluents and elevated temperatures. Ideal for analysis of power plant waters treated with ammonium, morpholine, or ethanolamine, and can also be used to analyze chemical additives, chemical process solutions, scrubber solutions, personal care products, and food samples.