Preparation and properties of a new chelating resin containing imidazolyl azo groups

A new chelating resin incorporating imidazolyl azo groups into a matrix of polystyrene divinylbenzene has been prepared. The exchange capacity of the resin for the ions mercury(II), silver(I) and lead(II) as a function of pH has been determined. The resin exhibits no affinity to alkali, or alkaline earth metals. It is highly selective for only mercury(II) and silver(I). In column operation it has been observed that mercury(II) in trace quantities is very effectively removed from river water spiked with mercury(II) at the usual pH of natural waters.