Novel efficient functionalized tetrapyrazolic macrocycle for the selective extraction of lithium cations

The synthesis of a new functionalized tetrapyrazolic macrocycle with two bidentate bipyrazolic subunits and a lipophilic moiety bearing a donor-group is described. The complexing properties of this macrocycle towards the alkali metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Cs+) were studied by liquid liquid extraction, and they showed a good extraction ability for Li+ and Na+, and a remarkable selectivity for the lithium cation in competitive conditions. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.