Synthesis and characterization of a high selective mercury(II)-imprinted polymer using novel aminothiol monomer

► An aminothiol monomer was synthesized from methacryloyl chloride and cysteamine. ► The synthesized monomer formed a binary complex with mercury(II) ion. ► The complex monomer was used for preparing the Hg(II)-imprinted polymer. ► The imprinted polymer had a good selectivity towards Hg(II) over competitor ions. ► The imprinted polymer presented a good performance in seawater and tap water matrices.