Synergistic effect of ligating and ionic functions, prearranged on a calix[4]arene.

The covalent attachment of two CMPO-functions and two anionic Cosan groups to the narrow rim of tert-butylcalix[4]arene leads to a dramatic increase of the extraction efficiency for the cone isomer; Am(3+) is removed from 5 x 10(-8) M solution to more than 99% by a single extraction step with a 3 x 10(-6) M solution of the calixarene.