Application of starch xanthates for cadmium removal: A comparative evaluation

Attempts to solve the problem of heavy metals removal and recovery from wastewaters have led to the development and application of several techniques. One of the techniques involves application of starch and cellulose-based products, especially xanthates. Both water-soluble and insoluble starch xanthate processes have been claimed to be successful based on the studies conducted with relatively simple wastewaters. The major objectives of this study have been to evaluate the effectiveness of insoluble starch xanthate (ISX) for the removal of cadmium, study the effect of complexing agents/ligands on the interaction of cadmium with ISX and soluble starch xanthate (SSX), and to make overall comparison of ISX and SSX processes for cadmium removal. Both SSX and ISX can bring down the aqueous phase cadmium concentration to less than 1 mg/liter (Indian effluent discharge standard) irrespective of the pH (in the range of 3 to 7), ionic strength, and initial cadmium concentration. The metal binding capacity of ISX is maximum in the pH range of 4 to 5 and is constant irrespective of equilibrium metal concentrations as well as different doses of ISX used at lower pH values (3 to 5). The metal uptake by ISX/SSX in the presence of EDTA is affected considerably. ISX shows higher uptake of cadmium in the presence of EDTA as compared to SSX. The insoluble xanthate process appears to have an edge over soluble xanthate process in terms of metal removal capacity, reliability, and ease of operation, particularly for cadmium.     

Removal of Heavy Metals from a Chelated Solution with Electrolytic Foam Separation

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted on the chelation and electrolytic foam separation of trace amounts of copper, nickel, zinc, and cadmium from a synthetic chelated metal wastewater. Sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), citrate, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (NDDTC), and potassium ethyl xanthate (KEtX) were used with sodium dodecylsulfate (NaDS) as a foam-producing agent. Experimental results from an electrolytic foam separation process showed that chelating agents NDDTC and KEtX, due to their higher chelating strength and hydrophobic property, can efficiently separate Cu and Ni from chelated compounds (Cu, Ni/EDTA, and Cu, Ni/citrate). In a Cu-EDTA-NDDTC system with a chelating agent/metal ratio of 4, the residual Cu(II) concentration is 0.7 mg/L. The effects of chelating agent types and different chelating agents concentrations on the removal of metal ions were studied. The effect of NaDS dosage on flotation behavior and the efficiency of metal removal were also investigated.     

Preparation and characterization of magnetic polymethylmethacrylate microbeads carrying ethylene diamine for removal of Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II) from aqueous solutions

Magnetic polymethylmethacrylate (mPMMA) microbeads carrying ethylene diamine (EDA) were prepared for the removal of heavy metal ions (i.e., copper, lead, cadmium, and mercury) from aqueous solutions containing different amount of these ions (5–700 mg/L) and at different pH values (2.0–8.0). Adsorption of heavy metal ions on the unmodified mPMMA microbeads was very low (3.6 μmol/g for Cu(II), 4.2 μmol/g for Pb(II), 4.6 μmol/g for Cd(II), and 2.9 μmol/g for Hg(II)). EDA‐incorporation significantly increased the heavy metal adsorption (201 μmol/g for Cu(II), 186 μmol/g for Pb(II), 162 μmol/g for Cd(II), and 150 μmol/g for Hg(II)). Competitive adsorption capacities (in the case of adsorption from mixture) were determined to be 79.8 μmol/g for Cu(II), 58.7 μmol/g for Pb(II), 52.4 μmol/g for Cd(II), and 45.3 μmol/g for Hg(II). The observed affinity order in adsorption was found to be Cu(II) > Pb(II) > Cd(II) > Hg(II) for both under noncompetitive and competitive conditions. The adsorption of heavy metal ions increased with increasing pH and reached a plateau value at around pH 5.0. The optimal pH range for heavy‐metal removal was shown to be from 5.0 to 8.0. Desorption of heavy‐metal ions was achieved using 0.1 M HNO₃. The maximum elution value was as high as 98%. These microbeads are suitable for repeated use for more than five adsorption‐desorption cycles without considerable loss of adsorption capacity. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 78: 81–89, 2000     

Synthesis of 1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane monomer by addition of acryloyl chloride and its polymer for specific transition metal binding

1,4,8,11‐Tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) was reacted with acryloyl chloride in a 1 : 2 molar ratio in dichloromethane in the presence of pyridine at 0°C. The modified cyclam was polymerized by adding an azobisisobutyronitrile initiator and irradiated with a UV lamp under reflux for 6 h. Precipitated cyclam containing polymer in the bulk structure was removed from the suspension by filtration. After washing and drying the final polymeric materials were used for transition metal ion adsorption and desorption studies. A Fourier transform IR spectrophotometer and thermogravimetric analyzer were used to characterize the polymeric structure. The affinity of the polymeric material for transition metal ions was used to test the adsorption–desorption of selected ions [Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Cd(II), Pb(II)] from aqueous media containing different amounts of these metal ions (5–800 ppm) at different pH values (2.0–8.0). It was found that the adsorption rates were high and the adsorption equilibrium was reached in about 30 min. The uptake of the transition metal ions onto the polymer from solutions containing a single metal ion was 3.17 mmol/g for Cu(II), 0.98 mmol/g for Cd(II), 0.79 mmol/g for Co(II), 0.78 mmol/g for Ni(II), and 0.32 mmol/g for Pb(II). This polymer showed high affinity for Cu(II) compared to the other metal ions in the single ion solution and in the mixture of transition metal ions. The affinity order of the transition metal ions was Cu(II) ? Ni(II) > Cd(II) > Co(II) > Pb(II) for competitive adsorption. More than 95% of the adsorbed transition metal ions were desorbed in 2 h in a desorption medium containing 1.0M HNO₃. Poly(cyclam) was found to be suitable for repeated use of more than five cycles without a noticeable loss of adsorption capacity. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1406–1414, 2002     

Mono- and multi-component biosorption of lead(II), cadmium(II), copper(II) and nickel(II) ions onto coco-peat biomass

The potential of using coco-peat biomass (CPB) has been assessed for the removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions from single and quaternary solutions. According to Langmuir isotherm, the maximum biosorption capacity of CPB was 0.484, 0.151, 0.383 and 0.181 mmol/g for Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy confirmed changes in the biosorbent functionality after metal sorption. Through quaternary isotherm experiments, 16.1%, 48.2%, 32.3% and 46.5% decrease in experimental uptakes were observed for Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II), respectively, in the presence of other metal ions.     

Heterogeneous synthesis of chelating resin organophosphonic acid‐functionalized silica gel and its adsorption property of heavy metal ions from fuel ethanol solutions

In this study, chelating resin silica gel chemically modified by poly(triethylenetetramine bis(methylenephosphonic acid)) (denoted as SG‐Cl‐T‐P) was successfully developed by heterogeneous synthesis method and used for adsorptive removal of heavy metal ions from fuel ethanol solutions, and the relevant modified organic group was calculated by DFT method at the B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d) level. SG‐Cl‐T‐P was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis system, porous analysis, etc. SG‐Cl‐T‐P has been used to investigate the adsorption of Hg(II),Cu(II), Mn(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Fe(III), and Cd(II) metal ions from ethanol solutions. The research results revealed that it has the better adsorption capacity for Hg(II) and Cd(II). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Interaction of poly(maleic anhydride‐alt‐acrylic acid) with transition metal cations,Ni2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+: A study by UV–Vis spectroscopy and viscosimetry

Interactions between poly(maleic anhydride‐alt‐acrylic acid), [poly(MA‐alt‐AA)] and Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cd²⁺ ions were studied by UV–vis spectroscopy and viscosimetry. Effects of nature and the concentrations of the metal ions on the complex formation were investigated and the formation constants of each complex were determined by the mole‐ratio method. UV–vis studies showed that the complex formation tendency increased in the followed order: Cd(II) < Ni(II) < Cu(II). This order was confirmed by the Irving–William series and the Pearson's classification. The influence of metal ions on the reduced viscosity of poly(MA‐alt‐AA) increased in the following order: Cu(II) < Ni(II) < Cd(II), and this result was explained by the concentration effect. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2698–2705, 2004     

Selective binding of mercury ions by poly(4‐vinylpyridine) hydrochloride resin

The binding ability of poly(4‐vinylpyridine) hydrochloride resin for Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), Cr(III), and U(VI) was investigated. All these ions, except Hg(II), could be not removed from aqueous solutions under the same conditions. The selective sorption of Hg(II) from mixtures of ions was observed. The elution of Hg(II) bound to the resin was also investigated using various concentrations of nitric acid and perchloric acid. Due to rapid complexation, a high mercury ion‐binding capacity, high selectivity, and ease of regenerability, the resin can be useful for the removal and recovery of mercury ions from aqueous solutions. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 1557–1562, 1999     

Removal of heavy metal ions using the chelating polymers derived by the condensation of poly(3‐hydroxy‐4‐acetylphenyl methacrylate) with different diamines

A series of methacrylate‐based chelating polymers was synthesized by the reaction of 3‐hydroxy‐4‐acetylphenyl methacrylate with amines (e.g., ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, and phenylenediamine) in tetrahydrofuran. The chelating polymers were characterized by infrared (IR) and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C–NMR) spectroscopic techniques. The thermal stabilities of these polymers were investigated by thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA). Heavy metal ions [viz., Pb(II), Hg(II), Cd(II), and Cr(VI)] were removed with these chelating polymers, and metal ion uptake efficiency, reusability of the resins, and effects of pH and time on the metal removal were also studied. The chelating polymers possess appreciable selectivity for Pb(II) and Hg(II) compared with Cd(II) and Cr(VI). The chelating ability of the polymers towards the heavy metal ions is a sensitive function of the nature of the substituent on the nitrogen atom. The amount of metal uptake by the chelating polymer was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 414–421, 2003     

Water‐insoluble polymers with ability to remove metal ions

Crosslinked poly[3‐(methacryloylamino)propyl]dimethyl(3‐sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide‐co‐2‐acrylamido glycolic acid [P(MAAPDSA‐co‐AGCO)] was synthesized by radical polymerization and tested as an adsorbent under competitive and noncompetitive conditions for Cu(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III) by batch and column equilibrium procedures. The resin–metal ion equilibrium was achieved before 1 h. The resin showed a maximum retention capacity value for Hg(II) at pH 2 of 1.084 meq/g. The recovery of the resin was investigated at 20°C under different concentrations of HNO₃ and HClO₄. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3679–3685, 2004     

New chelating polymers for heavy metal ion sorption

Twenty‐six new chelating polymers containing pyridyl (Py) or bipyridyl (Bipy) units as ligating centers were synthesized by free‐radical reactions of 2‐vinylpyridine, 4‐vinylpyridine, or 4‐methyl‐4′‐vinyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine with different dimethacrylate crosslinkers and evaluated for heavy metal ion sorption from aqueous solutions. Both the Py‐ and Bipy‐containing polymers are highly selective for Cu(II) over Co(II) and Ni(II) and for Hg(II) over Cd(II). The polymeric materials with Bipy binding sites generally exhibit more efficient metal ion sorption than do the corresponding Py‐containing copolymers. The metal ion sorption capacity of the copolymer also depends on the structure of the dimethacrylate crosslinker. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 849–856, 1999     

Synthesis,characterization and polychelatogenic properties of poly[(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid)‐co‐(methacrylic acid)]

Poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid), poly(methacrylic acid), and five copolymers of poly[(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid)‐co‐(methacrylic acid)] were synthesized by radical polymerization and obtained in yields >97%. The polymers were characterized by FT‐IR, [¹H]NMR, and [¹³C]NMR and studied by means of the Liquid‐phase Polymer‐based Retention (LPR) technique. The metal ion retention ability of the copolymers for Cu(II), Cd(II), Co(II), Hg(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cr(III) and Ag(I) was investigated at different pH values because of their environmental and analytical interest. The retention profiles of the copolymers were compared with those of the corresponding homopolymers and retention of metal ions was found to increase with increasing pH. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF LEVEXTREL EXTRACTION CHROMATOGRAPHIC RESINS FOR TRACE METAL SEPARATION SCHEMES IN AUTOMATIC WATER QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEMS.

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the results of the selective removal of Zn(II) from Cu(II), Cd(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) using ‘Extraction Chromatographic Resins’ Lewatit TP80T84, which contains dK2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)pbosphinic acid as active component. The extraction and selectivity patterns of the resin were obtained from the metal distribution coefficients as a fiinction of pH. Experimental data of Pb(II), Ni(II) and other natural water occurring metal ions, such as Ca(II), were analyzed graphically and numerically in order to describe the metal extraction reactions. Analysis of the results showed that the extraction of these metal ions can be explained assuming the formation of metal complexes in the resin phase with a general composition ML2(_{q 3}HL)q, where q takes different values depending on the metal studied. Finally the efficiency of the resin in the selective removal of Zn(II) from the toxic heavy metal group Cu(T±), Cd(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) were evaluated.of divalent metal ions (Zn(II), Cu(II), Cd(n), Ni(II), Pb(n)). Concerning the extraction selectivity of Lewatit TP80784 resins versus Zn(II), Cu(II)( Cd(n), Ca(n), Pb(n) and Ni(II), no differences have been found in comparison with the selectivity of this extractant in organic solvents (36). The results of the numerical treatment indicate that the extraction of Pb(n) and Ni(II) can be explained by assuming the formation of PbL₂(HL₂ and NiL₂(HL)₂. However, the extraction of Ca(II) can be explained assuming the formation of two species CaL₂ and Ca(NO₃)L|The analysis of the separation factors indicates that Lewatit TP80784 allows a quantitative separation of Zn(II) from Cd(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) with ApHso greater that 2 and quasi-quantitative separations (90-95%) from Cu(II)|The results obtained in the extraction of Zn(IT), Cu(H), Cd(II), Ni(II), and Pb(n) from water samples in column experiments are very satisfactory, and the sytem will be used on-line in a multicomponent spectrophotometric method for the monitoring of low levels of toxic metal ions in surface waters.     

Electrolyte solutions in liquid ammonia—IX. Electrodeposition and electrodissolution of metals from their salts

Anodic dissolution and cathodic deposition of 20 transition metals in acidic solutions in liquid ammonia has been surveyed. The early transition metal elements Ti, Zr, V Nb, Mo and W form high oxidation-state insoluble amido complexes during anodic oxidation. Soluble ammines of normal metal oxidation states are produced with Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), Ag(I), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) (Mn dissolves spontaneously). The metals Ru, Pd, Pt and Au only dissolve slightly after prolonged electrolysis. Anodic enrichment of Au in its alloys is unlike that in aqueous solution; in ammonia both Cu and Ag can be simultaneously depleted from a 9 carat gold alloy. Cathodic reduction of metal-bearing solutions follows wide variations of behaviour. Fe and Ru ammines reduce to amido-complexes with concomittant hydrogen evolution, but Cr is not reduced. Solutions of Mn, Co, Ni, Pd, Pt, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd and Hg give metallic cathode deposits under differing conditions. Electrodeposition is potential dependent for Ni, Cu and Ag; metal plate at low potentials, and powders at high potentials. The two different products are the result of reduction of species with different degrees of solvation.     

Preparation of amidoximated polyester fiber and competitive adsorption of some heavy metal ions from aqueous solution onto this fiber

In this study, a fibrous adsorbent containing amidoxime groups was prepared by graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers using benzoyl peroxide (Bz₂O₂) as initiator in aqueous solution, and subsequent chemical modification of cyano groups by reaction with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in methanol. The grafted and modified fibers were characterized by FTIR, TGA, SEM, and XRD analysis. The crystallinity increased, but thermal stability decreased with grafting and amidoximation. The removal of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution onto chelating fibers were studied using batch adsorption method. These properties were investigated under competitive conditions. The effects of the pH, contact time, and initial ion concentration on the removal percentage of ions were studied. The results show that the adsorption rate of metal ions followed the given order Co(II) > Pb(II) > Cd(II) > Ni(II) > Cu(II). The percentage removal of ions increased with initial ion concentration, shaking time, and pH of the medium. Total metal ion removal capacity was 49.75 mg/g fiber on amidoximated fiber. It was observed that amidoximated fibers can be regenerated by acid without losing their activity, and it is more selective for Pb(II) ions in the mixed solution of Pb‐Cu‐Ni–Co‐Cd at pH 4. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Removal of Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution using p(HEMA/chitosan) membranes

An interpenetration network (IPN) was synthesized from 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and chitosan, p(HEMA/chitosan) via UV‐initiated photo‐polymerization. The selectivity to different heavy metal ions viz Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II) to the IPN membrane has been investigated from aqueous solution using bare pHEMA membrane as a control system. Removal efficiency of metal ions from aqueous solution using the IPN membranes increased with increasing chitosan content and initial metal ions concentrations, and the equilibrium time was reached within 60 min. Adsorption of all the tested heavy metal ions on the IPN membranes was found to be pH dependent and maximum adsorption was obtained at pH 5.0. The maximum adsorption capacities of the IPN membrane for Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II) were 0.063, 0.179, and 0.197 mmol/g membrane, respectively. The adsorption of the Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) metal ions on the bare pHEMA membrane was not significant. When the heavy metal ions were in competition, the amounts of adsorbed metal ions were found to be 0.035 mmol/g for Cd(II), 0.074 mmol/g for Hg(II), and 0.153 mmol/g for Pb(II), the IPN membrane is significantly selective for Pb(II) ions. The stability constants of IPN membrane–metal ions complexes were calculated by the method of Ruzic. The results obtained from the kinetics and isotherm studies showed that the experimental data for the removal of heavy metal ions were well described with the second‐order kinetic equations and the Langmuir isotherm model. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Metal‐chelating properties of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate–methacryloylamidohistidine) membranes

Metal‐chelating membranes have advantages as adsorbents in comparison with conventional beads because they are not compressible and they eliminate internal diffusion limitations. The aim of this study was to explore in detail the performance of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate–methacryloylamidohistidine) [poly(HEMA–MAH)] membranes for the removal of three toxic heavy‐metal ions—Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II)—from aquatic systems. The poly(HEMA–MAH) membranes were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity of the poly(HEMA–MAH) membranes for the selected heavy‐metal ions from aqueous media containing different amounts of these ions (30–500 mg/L) and at different pH values (3.0–7.0) was investigated. The adsorption capacity of the membranes increased with time during the first 60 min and then leveled off toward the equilibrium adsorption. The maximum amounts of the heavy‐metal ions adsorbed were 8.2, 31.5, and 23.2 mg/g for Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II), respectively. The competitive adsorption of the metal ions was also studied. When the metal ions competed, the adsorbed amounts were 2.9 mg of Cd(II)/g, 14.8 mg of Pb(II)/g, and 9.4 mg of Hg(II)/g. The poly(HEMA–MAH) membranes could be regenerated via washing with a solution of nitric acid (0.01M). The desorption ratio was as high as 97%. These membranes were suitable for repeated use for more than three adsorption/desorption cycles with negligible loss in the adsorption capacity. The stability constants for the metal‐ion/2‐methacryloylamidohistidine complexes were calculated to be 3.47 × 10⁶, 7.75 × 10⁷, and 2.01 × 10⁷ L/mol for Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II) ions, respectively, with the Ruzic method. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 1213–1219, 2005     

Efficient Removal of Hg(II) by Polymer-Supported Hydrated Metal Oxides from Aqueous Solution

Chelating PS-EDTA resins modified by metal (Fe, Al, and Zr) oxides were used as adsorbents to remove Hg(II) from aqueous solutions. The modified resins were characterized by BET, FTIR, and XPS. The amino, carboxylate, and the metal oxides on resins exhibited a synergistic effect for Hg(II) removal. It was observed that the modification of PS-EDTA resin not only increased the adsorption of Hg(II) but also accelerated the adsorption rate of Hg(II). The equilibrium data of Hg(II) were best described by the Freundlich isotherm, and the kinetics were found to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Also, thermodynamic parameters showed that Hg(II) adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The increasing the concentration (0.1–2.0 g/L) of NaNO₃ in Hg(II) solution did not affect the adsorption of Hg(II). Moreover, the competitive adsorption indicated that the modified resins had higher selectivity towards Hg(II) over Cd(II), Pb(II), Zn(II), or Cu(II) in a binary system. All of the above results indicated that the modified resin was an efficient and reusable adsorbent for Hg(II) removal due to its simple preparation, high adsorption capacity, fast adsorption rate, ionic strength independence, high selectivity, and good reusability. These properties are of potential application in the fixed-bed continuous-flow column for Hg(II) removal from wastewaters.     

Symmetric 1,1'-Dimethylferrocene-Derived Amino Acids: Their Synthesis, Characterization, Ligational and Biological Properties With Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) Ions

Some novel symmetric 1,1'-dimethylferrocene derived amino acids have been prepared by the reaction of 1,1'-ferrocenedimethyldichloride with amino acids (glycine, alanine, phenylalanine and tyrosine). Their Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes, of the type [M(L)] where [M = Cu(II) and L = L(1)-L(5)] and [M(L)Cl(2)] where [M-Co(II)and Ni(II), L = L(1)-L(5)] have been prepared. The dicarboxylic acids and their metal complexes were characterized by their physical, analytical and spectral data. The [M(L)] complexes showed a square planar geometry whereas an octahedral geometry was observed for [M(L)Cl(2)] complexes. The title dicarboxylic acids and their metal complexes have also been screened for their antibacterial activity.     

Synthesis and characterization of coordination polymers of polyesters with pendant amino groups

Oligomeric polyester, namely, poly(tetramethylene aspartate) (PTMA), was synthesized from D ,L -aspartic acid and 1,4-butanediol by a melt-condensation technique. Polyester–metal complexes were synthesized by the reaction of PTMA with hydrated acetates of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), Mg(II), Ca(II), Pb(II), and Ce(IV) in DMSO. The polyester–metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectral studies, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and thermogravimetry. The metal ions were found to be six-coordinated with two water molecules as additional ligands besides oxygen and nitrogen atoms of polyester repeating units. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that coordination polymers are thermally more stable than is polyester. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 751–759, 1998