Membrane extraction of organic compounds. 3. A new receptor fragment for carboxylate groups based of the calix[4]arene platform

A new type of macrocyclic receptor able to bind organic substrates containing carboxy and carboxylate groups was designed on the basis of 1,3-disubstituted calix4]arenes. A series of disubstitited calix4]arenes were prepared in 60—80% yields by selective 1,3-alkylation of p-tert-butylcalix4]arene. The compounds obtained were tested as carriers for dl-tartaric, glycolic, dl-amygdalic, and dl-glutamic acids through liquid membranes immobilized on a polymer matrix. The structural factors favorable for the transport of these hydrophilic substrates through lipophilic membranes were established.