Synthesis of Calix[4]arene-Based Thiourea Derivatives for Extraction of Toxic Dichromate and Arsenate Ions

ABSTRACT

In the environment, the presence of toxic oxyanions such as Cr(VI) and As(V), especially in drinking water, creates serious hazards to human health. For efficient and selective detection of these species; novel calix[4]arene-based thiourea derivatives which obtained using p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene as starting material have been prepared from m-aniline or o-aniline or o-aminophenol in moderate yield. The structures of all new synthesized compounds obtained from these reactions were determined by using FTIR, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The complexing properties of calix[4]arene-based thiourea derivatives have been studied towards the As(V) and Cr(VI). It was found that calix[4]arene-based thiourea derivative 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(o-amino-phenylthioureido propoxy)-26,28-hydroxycalix[4]arene is an effective extractant for carrying HCr₂O₇²⁻ anions.

KEYWORDS:

• Calixarene
• liquid–liquid extraction
• thiourea
• toxic oxyanions
• UV spectroscopy

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by UBATAM and Research Foundation of Uak University (UBAP 2014/SB002).