Absorptive ionophores for Fe3+ cation by parent calix[n]arenes

The absorption of Fe3+ ion from the aqueous phase to the solid phase was carried out by using p-tert-butyl calix[6]arene (L1), calix[6]arene (L2), p-tert-butyl calix[8]arene (L3), and calix[8]arene (L4). The effect of varying pH upon the absorption capability of parent calixarenes was examined. It was found that the compounds (L1, L2, L3, and L4) showed the highest extractability toward Fe3+ ion at 4.5-5.4. The calixarene L2 shows a strong binding ability to Fe3+ ion. Based on the continuous variation method, calixarene L2 formed 1:1 complex with Fe3+ ion. Copyright © 2000 by Marcel Dekker, Inc