Synthesis of new ionic β-cyclodextrin polymers and characterization of their heavy metals retention

In this study, a new aqueous insoluble ionic β-cyclodextrin polymer (PYR), synthesized by reaction of β-cyclodextrin with pyromellitic anhydride 1], is characterized by IR spectroscopy, showing typical cyclodextrin and carboxylic absorptions. pH-metric titrations of the acidic functions with standard NaOH solutions followed by a refinement of protonation constants, with specific software for equilibrium in solution, have been performed. Through this approach, the pK _a values of the functional groups have been calculated. The complexation capabilities of PYR towards metal ions Al(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pd(II), Cd(II), Pt(IV), Tl(I), and U(IV)] have been evaluated in aqueous solution (pH 3–5). The retention is mainly pH dependent and higher than 70% for Al(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pd(II), Cd(II) and U(IV). For Tl(I) and Pt(IV) the retention is about 60% and 40% respectively.