Exceptionally high selectivity for cesium ions (α(Cs/Na) > 33000) is displayed by calix[4]arenecrowns-6 in the 1,3-alternate conformation. They also remove 137Cs quantitatively (>96%) from radioactive waste that is 1 M in HNO3. The complexation properties result from the simultaneous operation of several effects: the size of the crown ether ring, the polarity of the calix conformation, and the strength of the cation/π-electron interactions. The latter interaction was evident in the X-ray crystal structure of the cesium complex (shown on the right).
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Ungaro et al. (1994) studied this question.
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