Methods, compositions, and systems for ligand extraction

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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.