Calixarene derivatives as carriers in liquid membrane transport

The liquid membrane transport of some biogenic amines (n-buthylamine, hexylamine) and aromatic amino acids methylesters by p-tert-butylcalix[n]arenes (n = 6.8) were investigated. The transport driving force was the pH gradient between the source and the receiving phases. The complexation properties of the calixarenes under study towards amines and amino acids were evaluated. Several factors influencing the transport through liquid membrane were considered aiming to develop a mechanism model. The effect of the type of p-tert-butylcalixarene on the transport was also investigated. The results showed that the inclusion abilities of the investigated hosts were correlated with their conformational properties.