Transition Metal Ion Complexation and Extraction by Hydroxamate Functionalised p-Tert-Butylcalix[4]Arenes.

The functionalisation of macrocyclic p-tertbutylcalix[4]arenes at the lower rim with hydroxamic acid and proline hydroxamic acid groups gives the calixarenes chelating properties similar to siderophores. The (1)H NMR spectrum of p-tertbutylcalix[4]arene tetrahydroxamic acid shows a broad band at 10.8 ppm in DMSO-d(6) attributed to NHOH protons. Diffuse reflectance spectral analysis of PVC membranes containing the calixarene hydroxamic acids show absorption bands at 485 nm and 504 nm following contact with aqueous solutions of Fe(III) and V(V) respectively. The pH dependency of this extractive selectivity is examined for Fe(III), Co(II), Pb(II), Mn(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) using a solid phase extraction approach. Spectrophotometric evidence for the complexation of Cu(II) in methanol by p-tertbutylcalix[4]arene tetraproline acid is also provided.