Alkali and alkaline-earth metal cation complexation and transport properties by tetraphenyl ketone ofp-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene

The tetraphenyl ketone of p-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene (2) was synthesized for the first time. This derivative possesses the cone conformation in solution at room temperature, which was confirmed by NMR measurements (1H, 13C and NOE 1D). Extraction studies with metal picrates from neutral aqueous solution into dichloromethane, transport experiments with metal picrates through a dichloromethane membrane and stability constant measurements by UV absorption spectroscopy in methanol and acetonitrile were performed to evaluate the binding ability of ketone 2 towards alkali and alkaline earth metal cations. The tetraphenylketone of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (3) was also studied, and the results for the two derivatives were compared. Compound 2 shows a preference for K+ and Ba2+ cations, being selective only in the alkaline earth metal cation series. Compound 3 is a stronger binder than 2, but is a weaker extractant. Both show transport rates that are not proportional to complex stability or to extraction efficiency. Ketone 2 can be characterized as a selective receptor.