Calix[4]arene derived tetraester receptors modified at their wide rim by polymerizable groups

Abstract

The synthesis of calix[4]arene tetraester ionophores containing polymerizable groups at their wider rim is reported. Calixarene monomers with one or two methacrylamide groups were copolymerized with methyl methacrylate, yielding linear polymers with pendant calixarene groups or crosslinked polymers. Extraction studies with the soluble copolymers and with the corresponding pivalamides as model compounds showed no difference in the extraction ability and selectivity. Potentiometric measurements of membrane electrodes prepared with the polymeric calixarene ionophores indicated that the high selectivity, the slope of the response curve and the low detection limit of membranes containing non-bonded calixarene ionophores are retained while the lifetime of the polymeric membranes is increased.