Calixarenes functionalized with phosphine oxide and diamide functions as extractants and ionofores for rare-earth metals

Calixarene-based ligands with phosphine oxide and diamide functions at wide and narrow rims are synthesized and studied as extracting agents for liquid extraction and ionophores for polymeric electrochemical ion sensors. Calixarene ligands are compared with corresponding phosphine oxide and diamide ligands which are not attached to the calixarene platform. Extraction and sensor properties of the ligands were studied in different metal ion solution with special attention paid to rare-earth metals. Attachment of phosphine oxide groups to the calixarene platform leads to the sharp increase of both extraction and sensing ability of the corresponding systems comparing to non-bonded phosphine oxide. In case of the diamide derivatives attached to the calixarene performance of corresponding ligands was similar to those of non-bonded diamides.