Calix[4]arene-crown-5 as a selective extraction reagents for K+/H+, Rb+/H+ and Rb+/Cs+ separations

Abstract

Abstract From extraction experiments, the exchange extraction constants corresponding to the general equilibriums M+ (aq) + NaL+ (org) ⇔ ML+ (org) + Na+ (aq) or M+ (aq) + CsL+ (org) ⇔ ML+ (org) + Cs+ (aq), which take place in the two-phase water–nitrobenzene extraction system (M+ = Li+, H3O+, Ag+, K+, NH4 +, Tl+, Rb+; L = calix[4]arene-bis crown5(1,3-alternate), 26,28-dipropoxycalix[4]arene-crown-5(1,3-alternate), 11,23-dibromo-25,28-dipropoxycalix[4]arene-crown-5 (1,3-alternate) and 1,3-alternate-25,27-dihydroxycalix[4]arene-crown-5; aq = aqueous phase, org = organic phase), were evaluated. The stability constants of the NaL+ and CsL+ complexes were calculated from the extraction of the respective picrates in the system of water–nitrobenzene solution of L. Further, the stability constants of the ML+ complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water were determined. High selectivities were found in some systems under study.