Synthesis and Chelating Properties of Polystyrene Supported Schiff Base (N,N'-disalicylidenepropylenetriamine) Resin Toward Some Divalent Metal Ions

A new polystyrene-supported Schiff base resin, N,N-bis(salicylidenepropylenetriamine)- aminomethyl polystyrene, has been synthesized through a reaction between the commercially available 4-chloromethyl polystyrene polymer and the Schiff base, N,N'-disalicylidenepropylenetriamine. The chelation behavior of this resin toward the divalent metal ions Cu2 +, Ni2 +, Zn2 +, and Pb2 + in aqueous solutions was investigated. Batch equilibration experiments were carried out as a function of contact time, pH, amount of metal-ion, polymer mass, and temperature. The amount of metal-ion uptake of the polymers was determined by using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results of the study revealed that the resin exhibited higher capacities and a more pronounced adsorption toward Cu2 + and that the metal-ion uptake follows the order: Cu2 + Zn 2 + Ni2 + Pb2+. The adsorption and binding capacity of the resin toward the various metal ions investigated are discussed.