Synthesis and Selective Transport Properties of Cleft-Type Ionophores Having Two Convergent Hydroxamic Acid Functions

A series of cleft-type ionophores having two convergent hydroxamic acid functions are prepared and their selective ionophoric properties toward heavy metal and transition metal ions have been investigated. Hydroxamic acids 3 exhibited a prominent selectivity toward heavy metal ions of Hg2+ and Pb2+, and transition metal ions of Cu2+ over other transition metal and alkaline earth metal ions from slightly acidic source phase (pH 6) to an acidic receiving phase (pH 1). Selective ionophoric properties toward Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions over other surveyed metal ions are also confirmed by the FAB-MS measurements.