Synthesis of a [{mono-N-(4-vinylbenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane}(2)Hg](OTf)(2) sandwich complex, polymerization of this monomer with divinylbenzene, and Hg2+ ion selectivity studies with the demetallated resin

We have synthesized a novel, 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACK)-Hg2+ sandwich m onomer, [{mono-N-(4-vinylbenzyl)-1,4,7-TACN}(2)Hg](OTf)(2), which was co-po lymerized with the cross-linking agent divinylbenzene to form a Hg2+-ion te mplated polymer that was demetallated (> 96%) with 6 N HCl, and subsequentl y found to be highly selective to reintroduced Hg2+ ions in competition wit h Cd2+, Ag+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ ions at pH 2, the ionic radius and the th ermodynamic parameter being more critical than imprinting.