Synthesis of two new p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene β-ketoimin derivatives for extraction of dichromate anion

In this study the selective derivatization of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene was carried out and two new p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene β-ketoimin, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis-3-methyl-[(β-ketoimine)-ethoxy]-26, 28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (4), and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis-3- chloro-[(β-ketoimine)-ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5) have been synthesized. In the synthesis, the lower rim of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene was modified in order to acquire binding site for the recognition of dichromate anion. It was observed that these ionophores 4 and 5 showed high affinity towards dichromate anion. The protonated Schiff-base forms of the receptors were effective for transferring the HCr2O7 - anion from aqueous phase to a dichloromethane phase. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.