Synthesis of Calix(aza)crown and its Oligomeric Analogue for the Extraction of Selected Metal Cations and Dichromate Anions

The present study reports the synthesis of a novel ionophore, calix[4]azacrown (5) bearing two amino groups at the lower rim along with its oligomeric analogue (6). The liquid-liquid extraction properties of these compounds towards selected metal cations and dichromate anions have been evaluated. It is observed that (3) and (6) are good extractants for the selected metal cations. However, in the case of dichromate anion, only species (5) shows remarkable extraction properties at low pH, whereas species (6) shows poor extraction behavior. The results have importance especially in wastewater treatment to obtain environmentally safe industrial effluent and they should also assist supramolecular chemists in designing and synthesizing more sophisticated host molecules for the removal of toxic pollutants.