Molecular octopus: octa functionalized calix[4]resorcinarene-hydroxamic acid [C4RAHA] for selective extraction, separation and preconcentration of U(VI).

A solvent extraction separation of uranium, in the presence of thorium, cerium and lanthanides with a new calix[4]resorcinarene bearing eight hydroxamic acid groups (C4RAHA) is described. Quantitative extraction of uranium is possible in ethyl acetate solution of C4RAHA at pH 8.0.

Selective extraction, preconcentration and transport studies of thorium(IV) using octa-functionalized calix[4]resorcinarene-hydroxamic acid.

A new calix[4]resorcinarene bearing eight hydroxamic acid groups (C4RAHA) has been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR and elemental analysis. Its analytical properties were investigated, and showed high affinity and selectivity toward thorium(IV) in the presence of large quantities of associated metal ions. Thorium(IV) was extracted from an ethyl acetate solution of C4RAHA at pH 4.