Comparison of upper and lower rim-functionalized, di-ionizable calix[4]arene-crown-6 structural isomers in divalent metal ion extraction

Upper rim-functionalized, di-ionizable calix[4]arene-crown-6 ligands are synthesized and compared with structural isomers having the two acidic side arms attached to the lower rim. Solvent extractions of selected divalent metal cations (alkaline earth metal cations, Pb2+, and Hg2+) from aqueous solutions into chloroform by the upper and lower rim-functionalized, di-ionizable calix[4]arene-crown-6 isomers are utilized to assess the effects of this structural modification on metal ion complexation abilities of the ligands. The observed effects are compared with those reported for analogous di-ionizable calix[4]arene-crown-5 structural isomers.