We have prepared new diamino derivatives of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene from the reduction of corresponding amide derivatives. The examination of their recognition abilities towards some selected oxyanions shows that the new calix[4]arene amines are mostly more effective receptors than their amide derivatives for dichromate anions and nitrite, and capable of extracting these anions in yields as high as 95%. However, neither the calix[4]arene amines nor their corresponding amides were capable of extracting phosphate or nitrate at pH 1.5. © 2009 Taylor & Francis.