Intercalations of mercaptocarboxylic acid and dithiodicarboxylic acid in Mg-Al layered double hydroxide and their adsorption properties for heavy metal ions were examined. During the intercalation of mercaptocarboxylic acids, mercapto group was oxidized, and the corresponding dithiodicarboxylic acids were intercalated in the interlayer space of Mg-Al layered double hydroxide. The intercalation compounds adsorbed mercury and sliver ions effectively, whereas there was no adsorption of copper ion practically. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.