Synthesis and Mercurophilic Properties of 2,2′‐Oxybis(ethylenethio) ditropone and α‐(2‐(2‐Troponylthio)ethyl)‐ω‐(2‐ troponylthio)oligo(oxyethylene).

The condensation reactions of 2-(p-tolylsulfonyloxy)tropone with 2,2′-oxydiethanethiol and its α-(2-sulfanylethyl)-ω-sulfanyloligo(oxyethylene) derivatives afforded 2,2′-oxybis(ethylenethio)ditropone and α-[2-(2-troponylthio)ethyl]-ω-(2-troponylthio)oligo(oxyethylene). Reflecting the acyclic nature of the polyethylene glycol moiety, they formed the complexes with various metal ions. Among them, mercury(II) salts were exclusively transported through a liquid membrane at least under the conditions used.