Preparation of macroreticular chelating resins containing mercapto groups from 2,3-epithiopropyl methacrylate/divinylbenzene copolymer beads and their adsorption capacity

Macroreticular chelating resins containing mercapto groups were prepared by the reaction of 2,3-epithiopropyl methacrylate/divinylbenzene macroreticular copolymer beads with ethanolic potassium hydrogensulfide solution for 1 h at 50°C. The adsorption capacities of this resin for Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were determined at various pH values. In the acidic region, the resin shows a high affinity for Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ and high resistance against air oxidation. Cadmium is readily eluted with 1 mol dm^?3 hydrochloric acid; silver, mercury and copper ions can be eluted with 1 mol dm^?3 hydrochloric acid containing 5% (w/v) thiourea. The proposed resin appears to be useful for the removal of As³⁺ from aqueous solutions.