In some embodiments the application pertains to processes comprising reacting a component comprising an alkaline earth weak acid with a component comprising an acid to form a component comprising an alkaline earth
acid anion and a component comprising a weak
acid derivative. At least a portion of the component comprising the alkaline earth
acid anion is reacted with a component comprising an alkali
sulfate to form a component comprising alkaline earth
sulfate and a component comprising an alkali
acid anion. At least a portion of the component comprising alkaline earth
sulfate is decomposed to form a component comprising alkaline earth
oxide, or alkaline earth
hydroxide, or alkaline earth
carbonate, or alkaline earth
sulfide, or a derivative thereof, or any combination thereof, and a component comprising
sulfur dioxide, or
oxygen, or
sulfur trioxide, or a derivative thereof, or any combination thereof.