Binding of some first-row transition metal ions by a poly(iminoethylene)dithiocarbamate copolymer

The binding of the transition metal ions VO²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, CO²⁺, Co³⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺ by a poly(iminoethylene) dithiocarbamate copolymer has been investigated by uptake studies and physical measurements (electronic, IR, and ESR spectra and magnetic susceptibility). Metal ions may be bound by both the dithiocarbamato and amino groups of the co-polymer. Binding to nitrogen (in addition to binding to sulphur) increases in the order FE(II)<Ni(II)<Cu(II) and accounted for increasing metal ion uptake by the copolymer in the same order. Factors which determine the relative uptake of the metal ions by the copolymer are discussed.