Effect of structural modifications of diaza-18-crown-6 on the extractability and selectivity of univalent metal picrates

The solvent extraction of univalent metal cations with N,N'-dibenzyl-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16 diaza-2,3,11,12-dibenzocycloocta deca-2,11-diene (L(1)), N,N' didodecyl-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diaza-2,3-benzocylooctadeca-2 ene (L(2)) and N,N'-dibenzyl-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16 diaza-2,3,11,12-dibenzocyclo octadeca-2,11-diene (L(3)) with picrate anion into dichloromethane has been studied at 25 degrees C by UV-visible spectroscopy. The extractability and selectivity of univalent metal picrates (Li(+), Na(+), Ag(+), PhCH(2)NH(3)(+), NH(4)(+)) was evaluated as a function of [ligand]/[metal cation]. L(2) showed the highest extractability and selectivity for Li(+) over the larger studied cations, and also exhibited the highest [Li(+)]/[NH(4)(+)] selectivity as L/M=1.