Complexation of novel diglycolamide functionalized calix[4]arenes: Unusual extraction behaviour, transport, and fluorescence studies

Three diglycolamide functionalized calix[4]arenes (calix[4]-nDGA) were synthesized and evaluated for their extraction behaviour towards lanthanide/actinide ions. Exceptionally high D-Am and D-Pu values indicate these radiotoxic elements can be selectively removed from nuclear waste solutions. Transport and laser induced fluorescence studies indicated strong complexation of the trivalent metal ions with the calix[4]-4DGA ligand.