Mercury Removal Properties of Schiff Base Functionalized Benzoylthiourea Derivative and Its Copper Complex for Catalytic Application in Oxidative Polymerizations

Abstract In this study, Schiff base functionalized benzoylthiourea derivative ligand (SA2BT5) was synthesized and characterized. The chemical adsorption efficiency of the synthesized SA2BT5 ligand in the separation of Hg 2+ ions in water was investigated by solid phase extraction technique. According to the obtained results, SA2BT5 ligand showed high separation efficiency against mercury ions. Hg 2+ was recovered 100% from the solution with 30 mg L −1 concentration. Polynuclear metal complexes of SA2BT5 ligand with copper ions (Cu 2+ ) were also synthesized and characterized. The catalytic activity of SA2BT5‐Cu from the complexation between SA2BT5 ligand with Cu 2+ ion was investigated on the oxidation of guaiacol through Fenton like reaction mechanism. Oxidation of guaiacol was completed within 90 min of reaction duration at room temperature. Catalytic activity of SA2BT5‐Cu catalyst towards the polymerization of guaiacol was also investigated and SA2BT5‐Cu demonstrated moderate activity. It indicates promising results for the use of Schiff base functionalized benzoylthiourea polynuclear ligands as catalysts for oxidation reactions and as resins for chemical adsorptions of heavy metal ions.