Extraction properties of 25,27-bis(carbonylmethoxy)calix[4]arenes towards Sr2+: competitive extraction and extraction in a synthetic groundwater.

The Sr2+ extraction properties of some 25,27-bis(carbonylmethoxy)calix[4]arenes, in which ester (-CH2CO2Et), keto (-CH2COCH3) and acid functionalities (-CH2CO2H) have been attached to the lower rim, are reported. Strontium ion extraction experiments were performed in a chloroform/water system, and the extraction performance analyzed by radiotracing using the short-lived radio nuclide 85Sr. Effects of pH value, ligand to metal ratio, temperature, extraction time and strontium species on the extraction behavior were examined. It was observed that the 25,27-bis(carboxymethoxy)calix[4]arene derivatives are potent extracting agents towards the strontium ion, showing remarkable extraction performance in competition with a series of organic and inorganic impurities and in a synthetic groundwater. The crystal structure of 25,27-bis(acetonyloxy)calix[4]arene is also reported.