Synthesis and reversible mercury salt-capturing ability of troponoid-annexed dithio crown ethers

Condensation of 4,6-bis(chloromethyl)-2,5-dimethoxytropone with di- and tri-ethylene glycol bis(2-mercaptoethyl) ethers gave dithio-crown ethers, which selectively included Hg2+ from aqueous solutions; the Hg2+ included was quantitatively liberated by acidification with dilute HCl, thus achieving an effective transportation of Hg2+.