Analytical behaviour of hydrophilic glycolmethacrylate gels with bound thiol groups

Hydrophilic glycolmethacrylate gels with side chains containing thiol groups show high sorption selectivity for Hg, Sb, Bi, As, Ag, Cu and Pt, even in 1–3 M solutions of sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. The preparation of the sorbent Spheron Thiol and the distribution coefficients for 13 ions as a function of pH are described; within the optimal pH range the distribution coefficients exceed 10⁴. The sorption capacity of the resin reached ca. 0.5–1.0 mmol Hg g^-1 in 0.05 M HCl and equilibrium was achieved within 5 min, except for arsenic and platinum in insufficiently acidic solutions.