Di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-5 and -crown-6 ethers in cone conformations: synthesis and divalent metal ion extraction

Abstract Two series of di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-5 and -crown-6 ethers in cone conformations are synthesized. The ionizable groups are oxyacetic acid moieties and N -(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide units with X=methyl, phenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, and trifluoromethyl, which ‘tunes’ their acidity. For competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform, the new ligands with N -(X)sulfonyl carbamoyl groups are efficient extractants with Ba 2+ selectivity. On the other hand, the dicarboxylic acid analogues exhibit little selectivity in extraction of alkaline earth metal cations. For single species extractions of Pb 2+ , the ligands with both types of ionizable groups show very good extractions abilities. In single species extractions of Hg 2+ , the N -(X)sulfonyl carboxamide ligands are highly efficient, in contrast to the dicarboxylic acid compounds. Influences of the ionizable group identity, the crown ether ring size, and the presence of upper-rim p - tert -butyl groups on divalent metal ion extraction are explored.