The molecular recognition of tetra(p-t-butyl)tetrathiocalix[4]arene and its derivatives to heavy metal ions

The molecular recognition of tetra(p-t-butyl)tetrathiocalix4]arene (I)and its three derivatives to heavy metal ions has been investigated by UV spectroscopy and solvent extraction. These derivatives include 5,11,17,23,-tetra-t-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetrakis(acetylmethoxy)tetrathiocalix4]arene (II), 5,11,17,23-tetra-t-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetrakis(2'-hydroxypropyloxy) tetrathiocalix4]arene (III), 5,11,17,23,-tetra-t-butyl-25,27-bis(3'-hydroxy propyloxy)tetrathiocalix4]arene (IV). The UV spectra and solvent extraction of I show that it has an effective molecular recognition to heavy metal ions, especially to Cd(2+), while IV has a special molecular recognition to Ag(+) ion. These results confirmed the feasibilities for I to be applied in separation for toxic heavy metal ions Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and IV to be used as the sensor compound of Ag(+) ion-selective electrode.