Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of composite silica alcogels, aerogels and xerogels, comprising i) providing a reaction mixture comprising at least the following: silane reagent, base catalyst, gelation retarding additive, aqueous/organic solvent mixture, guest particle, ii) agitating the reaction mixture as necessary and sufficient until achieving the viscosity where the spontaneous movement of the guest particles does not occur anymore; and iii) shaping the material obtained to a desired shape during or after step ii); then iv) drying, if desired The method according to the invention is also useful in continuous manufacturing technology, and the invention provides an apparatus for applying the method. The invention further provides novel composite silica alcogels, aerogels or xerogels obtainable by the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new polyazamacrocyclic compound or a salt thereof and its uses. The compound has the formula ##STR1## where x is 2, 3 or a combination of p 2(s) and q 3(s) where p+q=y;y is 3 or 4;R is (CH.sub.2).sub.z P(=0)R.sup.1 R.sup.2 ;R.sup.1 is R.sup.3 or OR.sup.3 where R.sup.3 is alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl;R.sup.2 is H, alkyl or ##STR2## where R.sup.4 is alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl; and z is 1 to 3.In one important embodiment, this compound may be complexed with a metal to be a polyazamacrocyclic compound-metal complex having the formula ##STR3## where r is 2 or 3; andMe is a metal ion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a polyazamacrocyclic compound or a salt thereof to measure intracellular metal ions formula ##STR1## where x is 2, 3 or a combination of p 2(s) and q 3(s) where p +q=y;y is 3 or 4;R is (CH.sub.2).sub.z P(=O)R.sup.1 R.sup.2;R.sup.1 is R.sup.3 or OR.sup.3 where R.sup.3 is alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl;R.sup.2 is H, alkyl or ##STR2## where R.sup.4 is alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl; and z is 1 to 3.