Abstract Allyl tetrasodium thiacalix [4] arene tetrasulfonate (ASTCA) was synthesized via functionalization of tetrasodium thiacalix [4] arene tetrasulfonate (STCA). Alcohol-specific superabsorbing gels (superalcogels) based on acrylic acid (AA, 60–90 mol%) and allyl tetrasodium thiacalix [4] arene tetrasulfonate (ASTCA, 10–30 mol%) were prepared by solution copolymerization in water. Methylene bisacrylamide and ammonium persulfate were used as crosslinker and initiator, respectively. Then, the synthesized copolymers ...