Abstract: A bisquinolinol or bisbenzoquinolinol compound is disclosed which has the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH--R.sup.1).sub.2 wherein R.sup.1 represents a 8-hydroxy-7-quinolyl group which may have an alkyl group at the 2-position thereof or a 10-hydroxy-9-benzoquinolyl group which may have an alkyl group at the 2-position thereof. The bisquinolinol and bisbenzoquinolinol compounds may be obtained by thermal rearrangement of a bisquinoline or bisbenzoquinoline compound of the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.2 --O--R.sup.2).sub.2 wherein R.sup.2 represents a 8-quinolyl group which may have an alkyl group at the 2-position thereof or a 10-benzoquinolyl group which may have an alkyl group at the 2-position thereof. The bisquinolinol and bisbenzoquinolinol compounds are useful as an extractant for metal ions.

Abstract: A method of selectively separating lead ions from metal ions-containing aqueous liquid by contact with a solution containing a polyether derivative dissolved in a water-insoluble organic solvent and serving as an ionophore or carrier for lead ions. The polyether derivative is a compound expressed by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 stand independently from each other for a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and n is an integer of 2 or 3.

Abstract: A diamine derivative expressed by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 stand, independently from each other, for a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aralkyl group or an aryl group. The diamide derivative is useful as an ionophore which can selectively transport cupric ions through liquid membranes.

Abstract: A malonamide derivative expressed by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 stand, independently from each other, for a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aralkyl group or an aryl group. The malonamide derivative is useful as an ionophore which can selectively transport cupric ions through liquid membranes.

Abstract: The electrode membrane of the invention has high ion-selectivity for lithium ions relative to other alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. The membrane is shaped from a polymeric composition comprising a polymeric material, e.g., a polyvinyl chloride resin and poly(1,2-butadiene), a plasticizer and, as the ion carrier, a derivative of 1,10-phenanthroline such as 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline.

Abstract: A novel polyether having the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each stand for hydrogen or an alkyl group. The polyether can capture cations, especially alkali metal ions, when contacted with a cation-containing aqueous alkaline liquid and can release the cations to an aqueous acidic liquid, and thus serves as a cation carrier.

Abstract: A novel polyether having the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each stand for hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms with the exception that R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 cannot stand for hydrogen at the same time, and m and n each represent an integer of 1 to 9. The polyether can capture cations when contacted with a cation-containing aqueous alkaline liquid and can release the cations to an aqueous acidic liquid, and thus serves as a cation carrier.

Abstract: A catalyst membrane including a porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane having grafted thereon polystyrenesulfonic acid. The catalyst membrane is useful for hydrolyzing water soluble organic substances such as polysaccharides.