Synthesis and Hg2+-selective ionophoric properties of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-aza-crown ethers

A series of new p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene aza-crown ethers has been prepared. They showed pronounced selective ionophoric properties in transport experiments toward Hg2+ ions among the heavy metal ions and Cu2+ ions among the transition metal ions surveyed. The calix[4]arene diaza-crown ethers are found to be relatively well optimized for the transport of Hg2+ ions.