Synthesis of per-O-(carboxymethyl)calix[4]pyrogallols and their complexation with some alkaline metal and lanthanide ions

Complexones of a new class, viz., carboxy-functionalized calix[4]pyrrogallols, were synthesized. The per-O-(carboxymethyl)calix[4]pyrogallols obtained were established to exist in the (rel, cis, trans, trans)-configuration by 2D NMR spectroscopic data. According to the pH-potentiometric data, the interaction of these compounds with alkaline metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Cs+) and lanthanide ions (La3+, Gd3+, Lu3+) in a water-DMSO system produces 1 : 1 complexes. The specific features of complexation of per-O-(carboxymethyl)calix[4]pyrogallols, as compared to their acyclic analogs, with alkaline metal and lanthanide ions are due to the cooperative effect of donor groups preorganized on the calixarene matrix.