New adsorbents based on bridged polysilsesquioxanes containing 3-mercaptopropyl functional groups

Xerogels containing thiol groups (1.0–2.7 mmol g–¹) and having high specific surface areas of 630–970 m² g–¹ were obtained by the sol–gel method using a structure-forming agent [1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane or 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene] and a functionalising agent (3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane).