Calix[4]arene Having a Convergent Carboxylic Acid Function: Synthesis and Ion Binding Properties of a New Cs^+ - selective Ionophore

Calix[4]arene bearing a convergent carboxylic acid function employing the Kemp’s triacid motif exhibited a pronounced selective ionophoric behavior toward Cs+ over other alkali metal ions. The selectivities of calix[4]arene-acid for Cs+ over Rb+, K+, and Na+ ions assessed by competitive transport experiments were 7.9, 26, and 121, respectively.