Synthesis and properties of a resacetophenone‐formaldehyde resin are described. The number average molecular weight of the resin determined by vapour pressure osmometry and nonaqueous conductometric titration is 2500 and 2200 g/mol, respectively.
Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) chelates of the resin were prepared. The elemental analysis of chelates indicated a metal to ligand ratio 1:2. From the diffuse reflectance spectra of the chelates it could be concluded that Ni(II) and Co(II) chelates have a tetrahedral structure while Cu(II) chelate has a square planar structure. Infrared spectral studies showed that the metals are co‐ordinated through the oxygen of the carbonyl and phenolic groups. The presence of methylene bridges was also indicated from IR spectral studies. The thermal properties of the resin and its metal chelates are discussed.