Synthesis and extraction properties of new ‘proton-switchable’ tri- and tetra-substituted calix[4]arene derivatives bearing pyridinium units

The article describes the syntheses and complexation properties of new calixarene-based extractants, which have been synthesized from 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27-tris(chlorocarbonylmethoxy)-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetrakis(chlorocarbonylmethoxy)calix[4]arene by treatment with isoniazid (isonicotinic acid hydrazide) in the presence of pyridine, respectively. p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene teraamide was converted to its methyl iodide salt by refluxing with methyl iodide in acetonitrile. In this synthesis it was thought to explore the role of pyridinium sites in the extraction of HCr2O7−/Cr2O72− anions. The complexing properties of the extractants toward selected alkali/transition metal cations and HCr2O7−/Cr2O72− anions are reported. It has been observed that both receptors do not extract alkali metal cations but show excellent selectivity toward transition metals. The protonated pyridinium forms of the receptors are effective for transferring the HCr2O7−/Cr2O72− anions from an aqueous into a dichloromethane layer.