A Preorganized Triarmed Triazolyl-Calix[4]arene with High Affinity and Selectivity for Minor Actinides for Nuclear Waste Treatment

Abstract

The incorporation of three terdentate 2,6-bis-triazolyl-pyridine units on a calix[4]arene gives a preorganized lipophilic ligand with enhanced efficiency in binding trivalent actinides over lanthanides. Combined Time-Resolved Laser-induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy, 1D and 1H-15N HMQC NMR investigations allowed to propose the structures of the complexes and provides insights into the actinide selectivity.