In this study, the phosphate anions extraction efficiency of a series of receptors-based lactones 1a-d, 2, and 3, polyethers 4 and 5, lactam derivatives 6a-b, 7a-b, and 8a-d towards phosphate anion was evaluated by solvent extraction. It was observed that compounds 7a-b exhibited higher affinity toward phosphate ions than the other receptors. The extraction of phosphate anions by these compounds 7a-b indicates that the partially protonated amino groups play the major role for the formation of hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions at low pH. Furthermore, the effect of the polyethylene linkage and cavity of crown moieties on anion extraction was investigated. To evaluate the selectivity of receptors 6a-b and 7a-b, we also examined the retention of phosphate anions in the presence of Cl-, NO-3, and SO2-4 anions at pH 1.5. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.