Abstract
The synthesis and complexation properties of three new derivatives, one spirobiscalix[4]azacrown (
1
) and two calix[4]azacrown (
2
and
3
), are reported. Complexation studies of the three ligands toward transition and heavy metal cations have been carried out and monitored by UV absorption spectrophotometry in acetonitrile. Mononuclear complexes were detected for all complexes, whereas binuclear species (M
2
L) were also formed in the case of ligand
1
with Cu
2+
and Pb
2+
. The extraction properties of
1
,
2
and
3
toward Cu
2+
, Zn
2+
, Pb
2+
, Ag
2+
and Cd
2+
are also reported. The results showed that complexation is the main factor affecting extraction with ligands
2
and
3
, while with ligand
1
it is not.