A versatile calixarene derivative for transportation systems and sensor technology

In this article unique sensor and extraction properties of p-morpholinomethylcalix[4]arene (3) has been explored. In the first phase, we have studied the complexation/sensing behavior of ligand 3 toward essential as well as beneficial metals such as Cu2+, Co2+ and Ni2+ by UV–vis and fluorescence techniques. Secondly, we have applied Pederson method for the extraction of these metal cations using their picrates in two-phase extraction experiments. From the results it has been deduced that 3 could serve as a versatile sensor for the detection of metal cations used in the experiments. Besides this, it may be employed as an ionophore for significant extraction of these metal ions in separation/transportation systems.