DEVELOPMENT OF BIFUNCTIONAL POLYMERS FOR METAL-ION SEPARATIONS - IONIC RECOGNITION WITH POLYMER-SUPPORTED REAGENTS

A set of polymers has been synthesized, each operating through a mechanism that displays a high degree of specificity toward a target metal ion. Bifunctionality has been found to be a critical variable in defining the metal ion of different polymers. The phosphinic acid polymer has the highest level of recognition for the mercuric ion across a wide range of conditions through its redox reaction which produces mercury metal. The phosphonate diester/monoester polymer displays a supported ligands synergistic interaction with silver ions. Ionic recognition is found to be an inherent property of polymers that couple an access mechanism with a recognition mechanism, subject to reaction control or steric control. Reaction control implies a strong ion/ligand interaction (e.g., reduction, coordination, or precipitation) while steric control implies a specificity imposed by hindrance to an expected complexation for all but the target species. A parallel to the mechanisms of action displayed by oxidoreductase and hydrolase enzymes is drawn.