Abstract: Mthods and apparatus for the extraction of a ligand such as molecular oxygen from a first fluid environment and for release of a ligand such as molecular oxygen, as well as ligand carrier compounds therefore comprising linear, pentadentate polyalkylamines and transition metal ions. The carrier compounds have the general formula: ##STR1## where, each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is independently an organic group including a sulfur, an oxygen or a nitrogen coordinated to M;each of m, n. o, and p is 1, 2 3, or 4;X is selected from the group consisting of 2,6-pyridyl, 2,6-piperidyl, 2,5pyrrolyl, 2,4-imidazolyl, substituted heterocyclic amines, --O--, --S-- >P--R.sub.3, and >N--R.sub.3 where R.sub.3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, or aralkyl; andM is a transition metal ion.

Abstract: Compositions of matter according to the present invention comprise a carrier compound immobilized in or on a solid phase. The carrier compound is reactive to bind a ligand such as molecular oxygen and includes a complex formed from a transition metal ion and a multidentate organic chelate. The solid phase is substantially immiscible in or separated from a ligand-containing environment, and the compositions are utilized by contacting the immobilized carrier compounds with the ligand-containing environment. Desirably, the compositions may be maintained in an inactive state (i.e., unable to bind ligand) where the transition metal ion is separated from the chelate. By allowing the complex to form at a preselected time, premature ligand binding can be avoided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the extraction of a ligand such as molecular oxygen from a first fluid environment and for release of a ligand such as molecular oxygen, as well as ligand carrier compounds therefor comprising linear, pentadentate polyalkylamines and transition metal ions. The carrier compounds have the general formula: ##STR1## where, each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is independently an organic group including a sulfur, an oxygen or a nitrogen coordinated to M;each of m, n, o, and p is 1, 2, 3, or 4;X is selected from the group consisting of 2,6-pyridyl, 2,6-piperidyl, 2,5-pyrrolyl, 2,4-imidazolyl, substituted heterocyclic amines, --)--, --S--, ##STR2## and ##STR3## where R.sub.3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or aralkyl; and M is a transition metal ion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electrochemical extraction of a ligand such as molecular oxygen from a first fluid environment and for release of a ligand such as molecular oxygen, as well as ligand carrier compounds therefor comprising macrocyclic amines having the general formulas: ##STR1## where: A, B, C, D, E, and F are each nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, or phosphorous;m, n, o, p, q, and r are each typically 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6;the R substituents are each generally H or short chain (linear or branched) alkyl, although R.sub.2 may represent ketyl (.dbd.o); andM is a suitable transition metal ion.