X-ray absorption spectra of 1 M aqueous solutions of indium(III) chloride, yttrium(III) bromide, lanthanum( III) chloride, tin(IV) chloride and chromium(III) chloride have been measured at the oxygen K-edge. Relatively minor changes are observed in the spectra compared to that of pure water. SnCl4 and CrCl3 exhibit a new onset feature, which in the case of SnCl4 can probably be attributed to formation of hydroxide or other complex molecules in the solution. At higher energy, only relatively minor, but salt-specific changes in the spectra occur. The small magnitude of the observed spectral changes is ascribed to offsetting perturbations by the cations and anions. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.