Synthesis of two calix[4]arene diamide derivatives for extraction of chromium(VI)

The synthesis of four diamide derivatives of the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes from the reaction of 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-diethoxycarbonylmethoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene 2 with various primary amines were reported. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR, data showed that the synthesized compounds exist in the cone conformation. The complexing properties of these compounds toward Cr₂O₇²⁻/HCr₂O₇⁻ anions are also studied. It has been observed that receptors 5 and 6 are better extractant than the compounds 3 and 4. The protonated alkyl ammonium form of 5 and 6 is an effective extractant for transferring HCr₂O₇⁻/Cr₂O₇²⁻ anions from an aqueous phase into a dichloromethane layer.