The synthesis and characterization of 22-membered diazapentathia macrocycles and investigation of their ion extraction capability from aqueous media

Two new macrocyclic ligands, (5) and (6), containing nitrogen–sulfur donor atoms were designed and synthesized in a multi-step reaction sequence. Ion extraction capability of macrocycles (5) and (6) were investigated involving solvent extraction of metal picrates such as Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺ and Pb²⁺ from aqueous phase to the organic phase. The metal picrate extractions were carried out at 25 ± 0.1 °C and extractions were measured by u.v.–visible spectrometry. The extractability and selectivity of the mentioned metal picrates were evaluated depending on the organic solvents used for extraction. The extraction constant (log K_ex) and the complex composition of each metal complex were determined using spectroscopic methods.